Government Shutdown: National Parks Remain Open for Visitors
National Parks Remain Accessible Amid Federal Shutdown
Public Access Continues Despite Government Shutdown
The federal government entered into a shutdown on Tuesday night, yet national parks have largely remained accessible to the public. According to the National Park Service’s shutdown plan, roads, trails, open-air memorials, and lookouts are open to visitors. However, parks are operating with minimal staff and do not offer information, educational programs, trash collection, or road maintenance. Facilities closed during off-hours will stay inaccessible.
Impact on National Park Staff
Approximately 64% of the 14,500 National Park Service staff are expected to be furloughed starting Wednesday. The restricted staffing raises concerns about the maintenance and safety of these natural spaces, an issue raised by national park advocates and former superintendents. They argue that operating parks with limited staff could lead to significant management challenges.
Challenges of Minimal Operations During Shutdowns
John Garder, the senior director of budget and operations at the National Parks Conservation Association, referenced prior problems during a previous government shutdown. “We witnessed a buildup of human waste, trash, and vandalism, conditions that are not sustainable,” he remarked. A Government Accountability Office report also highlighted the legality issues surrounding the use of fee revenue to sustain park operations during such times.
States Consider Options to Keep Parks Open
Visitor safety and health remain a priority; any arising threats during the shutdown will necessitate the closure of parks. Despite this, Colorado’s Democratic Governor Jared Polis supports keeping parks like Rocky Mountain National Park open, recognizing their economic impact on local communities. The state is prepared to use limited funds to keep parks operational during peak tourist seasons.
State and Tribal Agreements with the Department of the Interior
- States, tribes, and third parties can collaborate with the Department of the Interior to provide additional services at parks.
- Colorado, Arizona, and Utah have historically engaged in such collaborative arrangements.
- Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, however, has indicated no state funds will be allocated this time.
This article was created by Emegypt, in partnership with several public media outlets, and supported by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and Eric and Wendy Schmidt. The collaboration connects regional newsrooms to provide comprehensive coverage across the Mountain West.
