ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Billboards recently posted across the Lehigh Valley are highlighting federal cuts to staff and services at national parks.
In the style of a postcard, the billboards at first glance look like an advertisement, with “Greetings from Valley Forge National Historical Park” in bold, curved lettering.
Equally bold is the rest of the message — “Now with reduced staff” and “Made possible by D.O.G.E.”
Twelve such billboards have been posted in and around the city, several at high-traffic areas such as Route 22, Interstate 78 and the Turnpike.
"Some elected officials and unelected billionaires would rather privatize or eliminate our public services."Faiz Shakir, executive director of More Perfect Union
They’re part of a campaign from More Perfect Union, an advocacy journalism organization, in response to sweeping cuts to national parks made by President Donald Trump and the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency.
“National Parks are some of our nation's most cherished resources," More Perfect Union Executive Director Faiz Shakir said in a news release.
"They provide a space that all people — old, young, rich, poor — can enjoy equally and find their lives are enriched by amazing experiences.
“But that’s not something oligarchs care much about. Some elected officials and unelected billionaires would rather privatize or eliminate our public services.
"[We] believe strongly in the need for great public parks and outdoor spaces that all Americans can enjoy."
Of the 300 billboards placed across the county, 26 are in Pennsylvania. In addition to those in the Valley, there are three in Erie and 11 in Philadelphia, officials said.
The campaign began May 5, and is scheduled for four weeks.
Sign locations, and cuts' effects
Billboard locations in and around the Valley include:
- Route 22 West at MacArthur Road, Whitehall Township
- Interstate 476 South between exits 31 and 44
- Interstate 476 between exits 74 and 95
- Route 22 East between the 25th Street and 15th Street exists
- Route 222 North, south of Interstate 78 and Route 309
- Route 309 at Patio Court Motel, Quakertown
- Interstate 78 between exits 49 and 51, near Trexlertown and Fogelsville
- Interstate 78 between exists 59 and 57, near Lehigh Street
- Lehigh Street off Interstate 78 at Redner’s Market
- Interstate 78 East, near exit 67 to Bethlehem/Hellertown
- Route 22 East, near Route 191
- Route 378 North, near Center Valley Parkway
National parks have been swept up in Trump and DOGE’s efforts to shrink the government and its spending, leaving some federal campgrounds shuttered due to staffing shortages.
"These cuts have already caused protests to erupt in every one of the 433 Park Service sites. Last year, over 330 million people visited a national park, a record number."More Perfect Union news release
"These cuts have already caused protests to erupt in every one of the 433 Park Service sites," according to the release. "Last year, over 330 million people visited a national park, a record number.
"This year, park goers will be met with reduced staff, longer wait times and dirty or unsafe facilities."
In response, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in March launched a “Still Open. Still Awesome.” campaign.
