If the North Cascades National Park were to be expanded, particularly on the east side of the crest, many acres of public land that have been managed for a long time by the United States Forest Service would then be under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service.
It isn't hard to fathom that the folks at the Methow Ranger District may not want to see these lands along Highway 20 as well as several major tributaries near the Methow Valley turned over to the NPS. These lands are a major highlight, practically the crown jewel, of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, whether from a biological/habitat point of view or that of tourism and recreation.
The management of these lands have long provided good, federal jobs for community members in the Methow Valley, both full time and seasonal positions. The same jobs that park expansionists say would come to the area if NPS moved in. So, it is plausible that there would be some personnel reduction within the Methow District if these forest service lands were designated national park lands.
What other impacts may occur?
The timing of the park expansion proposal really could not have been worse given the long-term management plan revision process the OWNF is currently undertaking. Losing a vast chunk of prime acreage certainly isn't a consideration of the plan.
Revenue loss would occur from commercial outfitters that utilize these recreational-rich lands and annually pay the USFS a percentage of their gross profit.
The USFS would lose a lot of public recognition with their presence in being replaced by NPS management along such a visible and important tourism corridor like the North Cascades Highway. Their presence, at a time when the agency striving to impress its existence in managing these public lands, would certainly be diminished.
It is a safe bet that many locals involved with the USFS do not want to see the park expanded using national forest lands. But don't take NOPE's word on this matter, ask some USFS employees what they think.
