Interior Department Blocks $25 Million in National Park Projects Over Groups' Politics

The Interior Department rejected more than 130 partnership agreements worth over $25 million for projects at national parks including Yellowstone, Yosemite, Zion and Joshua Tree, according to internal documents reported by The Washington Post on Sept. 11, 2026. Interior spokesperson Aubrie Spady confirmed the department disapproved agreements with groups it described as "actively working against the best interests of the American people and the priorities of this administration." The Great Basin Institute, a conservation nonprofit, had more than 70 agreements worth at least $12 million rejected without being told why, its CEO said.

Blocked projects included wildfire preparation and removal of hantavirus-carrying rodents at Joshua Tree, protection of prehistoric Native American burial mounds in Iowa, preservation work for an endangered snake species, and sled-dog care at Denali National Park. Internal documents warned that losing the Joshua Tree funding would leave the park "unable to fight wildfire," resulting in larger and more expensive fires.

The rejections, made last month, affect funding tied to the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1. No agency reversal or congressional response had been reported as of publication.