Roughly 100 people gathered in a snowstorm near the east entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park on Monday morning to protest a federal hiring freeze that could imperil operations at one of Colorado’s most iconic and beloved destinations.
Protesters held signs and led chants on the roadside and one man was arrested, though the altercation between the man and park rangers appeared to be unrelated to the protest, according to the Estes Park Trail-Gazette.
One protester wore a Sasquatch costume and park ranger vest as others chanted “This is what democracy looks like” and “Save our parks,” according to photos and videos shared online.
A protest flyer posted on the Friends of Rocky Mountain National Park Facebook group described the event as a show of support for the National Parks Service and federal workers.
“Massive staffing shortages and layoffs are threatening the future of Rocky Mountain National Park and the livelihoods of those who care for it,” organizers wrote. “The park, the community and the visitors who cherish this national treasure will all feel the impact.”
In a statement to the Trail-Gazette, National Parks Service officials said the agency is implementing President Donald Trump’s hiring freeze executive order across the federal civilian workforce and “is assessing our most critical staffing needs for park operations for the coming season and is working to hire key positions.”
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