WILLIAMSPORT, Md. (DC News Now) — Layoffs implemented by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) at the National Park Service are drawing protests from enthusiasts of the C&O Canal.
The Association of National Park Service Rangers said DOGE has imposed the elimination of six Park Service positions at the Williamsport NPS office along the Canal.
That brought Charissa Hipp out to the Canal trail to start the week.
“We’ll pressure our congressional representatives to stop the cuts,” Hipp said. “There’s talk that we’re cutting inefficiency from the government, but we have yet to see proof of that.”
Protestor Rebecca Kamp with the Party for Socialism and Liberation said DODGE “is illegally laying off workers.”
“We’re out here to protect our parks, protect our workers and not let them take away our services,” Kamp said.
On short notice, Elizabeth Phillipson from Falling Waters, W.Va., rounded up her family, friends and neighbors to voice their opposition to DOGE.
“It’s important people understand we need to protect our parks,” Phillipson said. “As an American citizen, we have this beautiful land.”
Dave Williams lives in Washington County and is glad to see voices raised against DOGE.
“It’s great to see the hundred or so people out here to join the protest on such short notice,” Williams said.
With President Donald Trump delivering an address Tuesday evening to a joint session of Congress, these protestors will be watching.
