Recent federal budget cuts have severely impacted the maintenance of public trails across the U.S., including the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail. Many of these trails are maintained by volunteers, and with cuts in federal spending, the ability to perform crucial maintenance tasks like rebuilding after natural disasters is jeopardized. Comments highlight concerns over the effects of these cuts, suggesting that cuts are ideologically driven rather than based on efficiency. Additionally, there is a call for the government to help displaced workers through training and upskilling as automation becomes more prevalent. The engagement of volunteer trail users is emphasized, as they already contribute significantly to trail maintenance during peak seasons.