National parks face closures and ranger furloughs if government shuts down.
Entrances to National Parks Could Be Blocked Without Budget Agreement
PHOENIX—If Congress fails to reach a budget agreement this weekend, the Department of Interior warned that entrances to national parks will be blocked and thousands of park rangers will be furloughed, creating a potential crisis for outdoor enthusiasts.
This is a significant shift from five years ago when the Trump administration kept some parks open during a similar situation.
However, this time around, the majority of over 420 national park units will be off-limits to the public starting Monday, according to Interior officials. Despite this, the governors of Arizona and Utah have pledged to keep some of the most iconic parks, such as the Grand Canyon and Zion, open using state funding.
Whether tourists will have access to other national parks will depend on various factors, including size and location. Generally, if a site is closed or locked outside of business hours, it will remain inaccessible, according to Interior officials. While places like the National Mall will stay open, there are no guarantees that essential facilities like restrooms or trash services will be maintained.
In the event of a shutdown, approximately 13,000 out of 19,000 National Park Service workers are expected to be furloughed, as outlined in the agency’s contingency plan posted online on Friday.
The Interior Department stated, “The public will be encouraged not to visit sites during the period of lapse in appropriations out of consideration for protection of natural and cultural resources, as well as visitor safety.”
The department also mentioned that the director of the National Park Service has the authority to enter into non-reimbursable arrangements with state, tribal, or local governments, as well as third parties, to secure donations for park operations.
While the nonprofit National Parks Conservation Association doesn’t oppose such agreements, they caution that keeping sites open during a shutdown without adequate staff and resources can have disastrous consequences. They point to the example of Joshua Tree National Park during the previous shutdown, where overflowing trash cans and damage to the fragile ecosystem occurred.
Despite the potential shutdown, some politicians are advocating for the parks to remain open. Senator John Barrasso urged Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to utilize previously collected fees to keep the parks accessible, a strategy employed by the Trump administration in the past.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and Utah Governor Spencer Cox have taken matters into their own hands, pledging to use state funds to ensure visitors can still enjoy the breathtaking wonders of the Grand Canyon and Zion, among other parks. They emphasize the economic benefits to their states and the local communities that rely on tourism.
The conservation association estimates that national parks could lose nearly a million visitors daily during a shutdown, resulting in gateway communities losing up to $70 million.
Arizona plans to use funds from the state lottery to keep the Grand Canyon park open at a basic level, covering essential services such as restroom cleaning, trash removal, and snow plowing. During the previous shutdown, permits for backcountry hiking and rafting on the Colorado River were still honored, but no new permits were issued. Hotels and restaurants also remained open.
Emergency services workers at Grand Canyon, responsible for visitor safety, as well as the approximately 2,500 residents within the national park, will continue working in the event of a shutdown, according to Grand Canyon spokesperson Joëlle Baird.
Utah paid daily to keep Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches running during the last shutdown, with the nonprofit Zion Forever Project contributing funds to maintain a skeleton crew and essential facilities at Zion National Park.
This year, Colorado Governor Jared Polis has directed the state’s Department of Natural Resources to develop a plan to operate and protect resources at Rocky Mountain National Park and three other parks.
In South Dakota, Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park are expected to remain open during a shutdown, albeit with limited staffing and access to restrooms, according to state Tourism Secretary Jim Hagen.
However, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte has made it clear that his state will not pay to keep sites open, stating that national parks are the responsibility of the federal government. On the other hand, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon is awaiting more information to determine the state’s options.
In Washington, Governor Jay Inslee has no plans to provide additional funding or staff to parks if a shutdown occurs. Similarly, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration has stated that they will not cover the costs of keeping parks open.
What are the potential risks and consequences of keeping national parks open during a government shutdown, particularly in terms of environmental damage and wildlife protection?
Esulting in a significant economic impact on surrounding communities. In addition to lost revenue from visitor spending, local businesses that depend on tourism, such as hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops, will also suffer.
The potential closure of national parks has sparked a debate about the importance of these natural treasures and the role they play in our society. Supporters argue that national parks are not only a source of recreation and beauty but also serve as a reminder of our country’s natural heritage. They provide opportunities for individuals and families to connect with nature, to learn about our environment, and to appreciate the vast biodiversity that exists within our borders. Furthermore, national parks contribute to scientific research, conservation efforts, and the promotion of environmental stewardship.
Opponents of keeping national parks open during a government shutdown argue that the potential risks outweigh the benefits. Without adequate staffing, maintenance, and law enforcement, there is a risk of damage to the parks themselves, as well as to the wildlife that reside within them. The lack of park rangers and other essential staff could lead to illegal activities, such as poaching and vandalism, which could have long-lasting consequences for the ecosystems and species that call these parks home.
Both sides of the debate raise valid points, highlighting the complexities of managing national parks during a budget impasse. While the governors of Arizona and Utah have pledged to keep their state’s iconic parks open, it remains to be seen how they will manage the logistics and costs associated with this endeavor. The nonprofit National Parks Conservation Association urges caution and emphasizes the importance of adequate resources and staff to ensure the protection and preservation of these natural wonders.
As with any political issue, the fate of national parks
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