The unprecedented terminations of staff working for the National Park Service threatens the health and safety of our own beloved National Seashore. The cuts may do great harm to this remarkable natural and cultural resource in the coming months and years, affecting not only the park but also our region. Since 1987, The Friends of the Cape Cod National Seashore has worked alongside the Cape Cod National Seashore to raise funds to help preserve, protect and enhance the fragile environment, visitor experience, and unique cultural heritage of the park. Because the Friends do not rely on federal dollars, we can continue our work and with your help expand our contributions to the park. 

The Park is facing challenges due to budget constraints and hiring freezes. Recently we lost three fulltime positions: The park archeologist, the park ecologist and the ranger in charge of park outreach. The Friends are deeply concerned about the impact the firings as well as vacant fulltime positions will have on the park, the towns that are part of the park, and the Cape Cod community from the bridges to Provincetown.

The four million annual park visitors come from all parts of the world and admire the fact that the park has kept its traditional Cape Cod character. Visitors and residents enjoy the beaches, the trails, and the amenities. They annually add $535 million to the Cape Cod economy.

People are reaching out to us to ask what they can do. We suggest you:

1.   Contact your U.S. Senators, U.S. Representative and the White House to share your concerns about these firings and to add money so parks can be fully staffed.

2.   Donate to the Friends of the Cape Cod National Seashore so we can help to fund areas of need. While we cannot fund positions, we can fund maintenance projects, environmental studies and programs. You can donate at https://www.fccns.org.

3.  Talk to your neighbors and urge them to also donate. Now more than ever, we need to support the Park and protect the environment.

For more information send comments and questions to info@fccns.org.