US EditionWhat Happens to National Parks if the Government Shuts Down?
A group of 40 former superintendents warns that insufficient staffing during a shutdown risks damage and safety issues, citing $75,000 daily costs to keep parks open, officials said.
- A government shutdown could occur on October 1 if Congress and the President fail to approve new spending to fund national parks and other agencies.
- This risk follows stalled negotiations and a stalemate between Republicans and Democrats over a short-term funding bill to extend government operations.
- During past shutdowns, parks remained open but operated with minimal staffing, causing damage from vandalism, accumulated trash, and reduced visitor safety at record high visitation levels.
- John Garder, representing the National Park Conservation Association, criticized the possibility of more layoffs following a 24-percent reduction in Park Service staff, describing such actions as unacceptable.
- If the shutdown happens, many national parks may close or reduce services, implying substantial environmental risks and economic impacts for communities reliant on park tourism.
13 Articles
13 Articles
The Billings Gazette
What Happens to National Parks if the Government Shuts Down?
What we know as Congress hurtles toward a Wednesday funding deadline for the federal government.
Bozeman Daily Chronicle
What happens to Yellowstone National Park if the federal government shuts down?
It’s not clear if parks like Yellowstone and Glacier would stay open if the federal government can’t reach a budget agreement.
National parks warning issued to Trump over government shutdown
"Leaving parks even partially open to the public during a shutdown with minimal—or no—park staffing is reckless and puts both visitors and park resources at risk," a group of former national park superintendents wrote.
Former national park superintendents request park closures in event of government shutdown
With a possible US government shutdown looming, a group of former national park superintendents sent a letter to the US Secretary of the Interior Thursday, urging for the closure of all national parks and public lands if Congress cannot pass its funding resolution next week. The group warned of potential treats to parks’ infrastructures and habitats in the event of understaffing, stating: Past shutdowns in which gates remained open with limited …
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