Thousands rally across CA in wake of Trump administration's cuts to National Park Service

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Thousands of demonstrators rallied at hundreds of national park sites around the country on Saturday to protest extensive job cuts by the Trump administration.

Cutbacks at federal agencies led to thousands of layoffs of national park and forest service employees two weeks ago.

It's a fight to save rangers the National Park Service.

RELATED: Going to Yosemite soon? Here's how National Park Service layoffs could impact your trip

On Saturday, protesters marched and rallied to protect at all 433 U.S. national park sites.

Hundreds gathered at Yosemite National Park.

They're angry at Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency laying off federal employees to cut federal spending.

That's because nearly 1000 national park service employees and 3400 forest service employees were laid off on Valentine's Day.

"I was one of the people who was illegally terminated," said one demonstrator. "We will get thru this. We will have or days in court. And I will be reinstated. Because this is not legal."

People who love and support the national parks say they are worried about the immediate impact of staffing cuts.

"The conditions degrade when we don't have authority figures here today (Saturday) move along. Organize the traffic. No, you can't park there. You go to pick up that trash," said one demonstrator.

"Not giving them the resources they need is going to affect safety, it's going to affect how the parks are run in the U.S. national park system," said Santiago Palacio, a demonstrator at Yosemite National Park.

On this day of action, protesters at turned out en masse at national parks across the country--- including Yellowstone, Arches, and Muir Woods.

Big groups also turned out to historic sites and recreation areas.

That included the Rosie the Riveter National Historic Park in Richmond.

With the Golden Gate Bridge in the background, hundreds of Presidio supporters sang and marched.

At Crissy Field, people tell us they're frustrated by the Trump administration's efforts to downsize the federal workforce, particularly when it impacts our parks.

"I think it's ridiculous and not well thought out," said San Francisco resident Jocko.

"It just feels unfortunate that the people who are taking really good care of these places are being let go let go," said Giana, a former San Francisco resident.