Support Fired Park Rangers

"For the benefit and enjoyment of the people " Hey, I'm Lori - a travel writer and travel advisor from Georgia. National Parks, and other public lands, are a huge part of my life. I cannot imagine what this country would be without them. However, our parks are being threatened.

Over the last week, thousands of park rangers have been fired from the Department of the Interior and the United States Department of Agriculture. These two departments oversee agencies such as the National Park Service, the US Forest Service, the Bureau of Reclamation and many other entities that protect and serve our public lands.

As you may know, securing a job with the National Park Service, and the other agencies mentioned, is not easy. Many employees start out as seasonal workers or as interns. The majority leave their home states to pursue careers with public lands. Most have moved multiple times at their own expense. Some employees live in park housing and now after being fired have no home.

I've set up this GoFundMe to assist those fired employees with bills and moving costs since whether or not they'll receive unemployment still isn't clear.

The initial goal is set for $50k but I think we can do more. Ultimately, I would love to see every fired ranger receive at least $500. I realize that's a big task but I believe it can be done. Once the goal for fired rangers is satisfied then any leftover funds would go to a non-profit that supporting public lands.

Can you donate with confidence? Yes! You might not know me personally but I've spent the last 11 years traveling all over the US, visiting national parks units and working with tourism boards. I am a park volunteer and have hosted online events with the National Park Trust and the National Forest Foundation to raise awareness.

I know there are plenty of other people out there just like me that love our national parks. But our national parks are nothing without park rangers. Let's show our appreciation and help these people get back on their feet.