Subject: Federal Agency Staff
Dear friends and colleagues at the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and all other federal agency teams who care for our public lands,
On behalf of Trailkeepers of Oregon—and on behalf of every hiker, volunteer, trail enthusiast, gateway-community resident and landscape lover in Oregon—I want to extend our profound thanks for the sheer grit, dedication, and perseverance you’ve shown during what became the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history. As the government warms back up, there are still vacant chairs, stored tools and chainsaws, and empty trucks at the duty station. Our public lands are still in crisis from the reduction in force, structural changes, and policies under attack over this year and it is upending our expectations for the protections of these special places.
As we’ve met with agency teammates in the last week to get going again, we have to take a moment and recognize that you all are still shook–from the shutdown and all that you’re dealing with prior. We know that many of you were furloughed, others were called back intermittently, most were asked to perform jobs or tasks beyond the usual—just so that public lands, trails, restrooms, trailheads, access points, and safety essential functions could keep moving forward. All of it was tough, we know you were doing the best you could. Worst of all, you did this while still uncertain if or when you will get back-paid for the time you did work.
From our Update on Potential Federal Shutdown post, we highlighted how:
“Every day lost isn’t just a paycheck deferred—it’s a backlog growing heavier. Trash piles up at trailheads, trail maintenance slips further behind, and rehabilitation projects are pushed off indefinitely.”
And our TKO Update 10/14/2025: When the Rules Change… post noted that:
“The perception is that everything is just fine… but the toll on the remaining staff on duty is high and we are not taking the long view in planning for the protection and enhancement of Oregon’s trails.”
You – the agency folks who were ordered to work and stay on the line, picked up pieces, held things together, and who are now facing the enormous challenge of catching up while the backlog looms – you deserve recognition, support and more than a simple “thanks.”
Here are a few things I hope you know:
1. We see you. We see the long hours, the impossible choices, the extra tasks, and the uncertainty. You showed up anyway, and it means everything.
2. We’re in this with you. We are not “back to normal.” The backlog is real and the strain is real. TKO will be there—with volunteers, tools, and support—to help shoulder the load.
3. Oregon’s hiking community is grateful. Your work keeps families, newcomers, and lifelong hikers connected to the places they love. That matters more than most people realize.
4. It’s okay to say this is hard. You’ve been navigating shifting rules, delayed pay, safety concerns, and an avalanche of deferred work. You don’t have to pretend it’s fine.
5. If you’re willing—help us share your story. Let us know what our public lands need and where the pressure points are. When the public understands the full picture, they show up. And we’ll help make sure your reality is heard.
And to every hiker, volunteer, trail enthusiast, gateway-community resident, and landscape lover in Oregon reading this: Listen closely to what these agency teams are carrying. Stay patient. Stay kind. And be ready to step up and give back—because the wellbeing of our public lands depends on all of us showing up together.
In closing: Thank you. From the bottom of our boots, from the entirety of the TKO team, from Oregon’s hiking community — thank you for carrying the load during a moment when the system bent under pressure and when your personal lives were disrupted. We remain grateful, and we stand ready to help lighten the load.
With profound respect and partnership,
Executive Director
Trailkeepers of Oregon
P.S. Oregon’s trails may be open, hikers may be smiling, but the work isn’t done—far from it. So if you see someone at a trailhead and you’re still catching up behind the scenes: you’re the reason they’re there at all.
