Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re probably aware that the early months of 2025 were marked by widespread cuts and layoffs in the federal government.
The affected public lands agencies—the Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Natural Resources Conservation Service—include many that are integral to managing the wilderness regions we motocampers recreate in. On the ground, laid off staff included everyone from park rangers to trail crews, search-and-rescue personnel, wildland firefighters, wildlife biologists, snow plow operators and wastewater treatment experts.
Though multiple district judges later ruled that many of these terminations were illegal—ordering the rehiring of thousands of federal workers—it remains unclear if, when, and how many of the terminated individuals will return to work. In the meantime, the budget and staffing situation at many national parks and other public lands remains in a modicum of chaos.
The “Big Beautiful Bill,” also includes billions of dollars in cuts to public lands. Among other things, it reduces the budgets of the Department of the Interior and National Forest Service by a combined total of $5.1 billion. The budget also includes cutting over $900 million to National Parks, and slashing regulations surrounding development, recreation, grazing, hunting, and mining.
It’s worth noting that National Parks have long been under heavy strain and since 2010, NPS staff has shrunk by over 20%, while annual park visitors have increased by over 40 million. (It’s also worth noting that public lands actually generate revenue from tourism and commercial activities. In 2022 the National Parks alone contributed $50.3 billion to the national economy.)
What Does This Mean for Motocampers?
There are, objectively, less individuals working to manage American wilderness regions, and less money going to support the management and preservation of these public lands.
In the words of former Yosemite National Park superintendent Don Neubacher, “You just can’t have more visitors, less staff, less money and do an adequate job … you’re going to find long lines, less law enforcement presence, less search and rescue capability, and less visitor centers.”
So, how does this affect us? There are a few concrete takeaways.
Increased Park Closures
Parks have already changed their hours to accommodate staffing shortages. This is likely to continue. Expect reduced hours and services as parks grapple with budget and staffing shortfalls. Each agency has their own website and system to keep visitors up to date on closures (see “Tools to Stay Informed” below). For example, you can see all the active alerts in U.S. National Parks here. Even when parks are open, shortages may result in delayed or reduced services (less people to take out the trash, unblock toilets, and so on.)
This reduction in accessible areas could lead to a domino effect. As popular national parks or specific Forest Service districts announce extended closures or drastically reduced services, the remaining open areas are likely to experience unprecedented concentrations of visitors.
For motocampers like us, this could mean popular forest service roads become more jammed up, and previously quiet dispersed sites now have multiple groups.
Smoky Mountains National Park CREDIT: Matthew Paulson
Information Blackouts & Unclear Trail Conditions
What happens when visitor center doors are locked, phone lines go unanswered, and agency websites are outdated? Be prepared for increased difficulty obtaining accurate information on open/closed routes, securing necessary permits, and understanding current fire restrictions or other emergency notices.
Staffing shortages also mean less people to clear downed trees and other debris blocking trails. This could result in washouts not being repaired as quickly, rockslides or fallen trees blocking routes for extended periods, and lack of seasonal grading on unpaved roads, leading to ruts or deterioration.
And remember, a ‘downed tree’ might not be a single manageable log. After a severe storm blows through an unmonitored forest, it could be a dozen massive pines strewn across a key access road, effectively sealing off hundreds of square miles of prime riding territory. A washout that a hiker might scramble over could present as an impassable, axle-deep trench for a fully loaded adventure motorcycle, forcing a lengthy, unplanned detour (assuming a detour even exists).
We already see this in NC after hurricane Helene. Several trails and roads in Pisgah National Forest were cleared by volunteers who spent time and money to become certified Sawyers to perform the work.
Blocked trails and roads may lead to more self made detours through areas which cause more problems and give more reasons to close access to some areas. Remember TREAD Lightly and LNT.
Extra experience, both in self-extraction and navigating in the wilderness is a good idea. Pre-ride map study and robust navigation skills, including proficiency with paper maps and compass, and understanding terrain features, is absolutely critical. Signage, if it existed, may be damaged, missing, or simply incorrect. Your GPS might show a trail, but reality on the ground could be different.
Cleanup in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. CREDIT: North Carolina DOT
Search and Rescue Delays & Limitations
Reduced ranger presence often means longer search and rescue (SAR) response times. SAR may also become more reliant on overstretched volunteer groups. This elevates the need for conservative decision-making, not just having a first-aid kit and knowing emergency medical skills. Ride smart. Carry extra water. Be ready to repair your gear and repair your bike.
Tools to Stay Informed
Forest Service
The Forest Service (USFS), which manages nearly 200 million acres of national forests and grasslands, is split up into ten regions. If you live east of the Rocky Mountains, you’re probably in either R8 (Southern Region) or R9 (Eastern Region), but in the western United States the breakdowns are a bit smaller.
At the link below, you can find a map showing the ten different regions, and a link to each region’s dedicated subdomain. Once there, you’ll be able to find up-to-date information about current closures, fire alerts, policy changes, and other restrictions.
Learn More
Bureau of Land Management
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages roughly 250 million acres of federal wilderness, roughly one eighth of our country’s entire landmass. BLM land is overwhelmingly located west of the Rocky Mountains, and it has some of the best riding and wild camping in the nation. See the BLM’s “Visit” page at the link below for more information about planning a trip on BLM land. The agency also has a dedicated Off-Highway Vehicles page with more information specifically pertinent for motorcyclists.
Learn More
BLM trail crews during a workday in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. CREDIT: Bureau of Land Management
National Park Service
The National Park Service (NPS) manages the 63 national parks in the United States, as well as most national monuments and many other federally protected areas, such as national preserves, historic sites, battlefield parks, memorials, seashores, and historic and scenic trails. In total, the NPS is responsible for overseeing around 85 million acres of land.
National parks are far more heavily-trafficked than the more remote USFS and BLM lands, and the NPS is also the agency that is being hit the hardest by the cuts. If you’re planning to visit a National Park in 2025, check the Active Alerts page for current changes and alerts. To find a national park by state, see the “Index” below.
Learn More
Fish and Wildlife Service
The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is probably the agency you’re the least familiar with on this list, but it’s responsible for the management of fish, wildlife, and natural habitats in the United States. Its role includes enforcing federal wildlife laws, managing migratory birds, protecting endangered species, and conserving and restoring wildlife habitats and fisheries.
The FWS is also responsible for the National Wildlife Refuge System, which includes over 570 national wildlife refuges, 38 wetland management districts, 5 marine national monuments, and 63 refuges with wilderness areas, and over 1,000 miles of wild rivers.
While their territory is overwhelmingly aquatic (760 million marine acres), the FWS also oversees around 95 million land acres across the United States. Most wildlife refuges (for obvious reasons) prohibit motorized vehicles, but as an outdoors enthusiast, you’ll likely find yourself on FWS land eventually. Check the link below to find their “Visit Us” page.
Learn More
The Verdict: More Self-Reliance
Politics in the United States has become more polarized than ever, so I almost feel like I’m walking on eggshells even writing this article. But although folks may disagree about the import of these budget cuts and staffing layoffs, it’s unquestionable that they will result in a changed experience for park visitors.
Even beyond immediate needs, it’s important to realize that there will be trickle down effects. What does it mean for invasive species control, wildlife habitat management, or water quality monitoring when specialist staff are gone? These long-term ecological declines will eventually impact the quality of recreation and the ‘wildness’ we all seek outside. While our own personal stewardship can’t replace the work of a trained field scientist, it is more vital now than ever.
When you go motocamping this summer, take these cuts, for better or worse, as a catalyst to place extra emphasis on your own personal wilderness skills, and a style of motocamping that promotes maximum self reliance.
Ensure you’re Leaving No Trace and TREAD-ing Lightly, packing out our waste and leaving trails and campsites just as good as you found them.
Put extra focus on emergency preparedness and first aid skills. Consider taking a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course. Be prepared to source and purify your own water. Ensure you know how to find safe backcountry campsites.
If there’s anything to take away from this article, it should be that the onus is on us, as outdoor enthusiasts, both to keep our public lands wild and pristine… and to cover our own asses when we head outside.
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Owen Clarke (@opops13) is an American action sports journalist. A longtime contributor to Climbing and Rock and Ice magazines, he has also written for Iron & Air, Outside, and Travel + Leisure, among other titles. In addition to his work with Moto Camp Nerd, Owen is a contributing editor for Summit Journal and the American Alpine Journal's Africa editor.