FAYETTEVILLE — A record 1.8 million people spent time in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in 2024, marking a nearly 50% increase in visitation in the four years since the Gorge became America's 63rd and newest national park, the National Park Service announced in March.

That news came about one month after the newly created Department of Government Efficiency began sending termination notices to thousands of newly hired probationary National Park Service employees and offering deferred retirement buyouts to their senior colleagues. Outdoor Pursuits

'I loved my job': DOGE cuts come to public land agencies in WV, but details are vague

By Rick Steelhammer rsteelhammer@hdmediallc.com

3 min to read

Photos: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve faces budget cuts

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