During the last government shutdown, in January, rangers weren't readily available to clear trees downed across a road to the Hoh Valley at Olympic National Park/NPCA
With concerns growing that the federal government will shut down, at least partially, late this week, the question of whether the National Park System will be open to visitors is a natural one. The answer is yes, but with some caveats.
If government does close, most National Park Service employees will be sent home, or furloughed, for the duration of the closure. Key personnel, such as law enforcement rangers and those needed to keep the power on to buildings will remain on the job. Concessions will continue to operate, and visitors will be free to enter.
"Parks must notify visitors that the NPS will cease providing visitor services, including restrooms, trash collection, facilities and roads maintenance (including plowing), campground reservation and check-in/check-out services, backcountry and other permits, and public information" in the event of a shutdown, according to the contingency plan the Park Service adopted last January. "While parks may still be accessible to visitors, parks may not use the presence of visitors in the park to justify higher staffing numbers than approved during previous shutdowns."
If conditions -- snowstorms, torrential rains, wildfires -- create risks to visitors, affected areas "must" be closed, the document says.
Additionally, park websites and social media channels will not be maintained during the shutdown.
"At the superintendent’s discretion, parks may close grounds/areas with sensitive natural, cultural, historic, or archaeological resources vulnerable to destruction, looting, or other damage that cannot be adequately protected by the excepted law enforcement staff that remain on duty to conduct essential activities," the document says.
Not too many years ago the park system closed to visitors during government shutdowns. That became a huge issue during the shutdown in October 2013, when some states that enjoy peak tourism during the fall months put up the money to keep certain parks open rather than take an economic impact to surrounding communities. In the end, the states did take a hit, as the federal government never repaid them for the millions of dollars they spent keeping the parks open.
The face of the 2013 closure, if you will, in many instances was the National Park Service, as river trips and weddings were canceled and vacations interrupted.
The policy of closing parks during government shutdowns ended in January 2018, when the Trump administration made the decision to keep them open. There was some conjecture that a government shutdown was the perfect opportunity for the Trump administration to show Congress and the American public that parks can be run effectively without the NPS.
Not everything rolled smoothly, though. At Zion National Park in Utah a cow elk was poached inside the park during last January's shutdown. At Olympic National Park in Washington, roads were blocked by trees that a storm downed.
Back in 1995, Arizona's governor sent out the National Guard to keep Grand Canyon National Park open during a government shutdown.
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Comments
How about if we just shut down the White House?
Well Lee, the WH is actually a unit of the NPS(President's Park) so it might actually. ;)
Yes!
This seems to have immediately gone political. So, protect our borders (from illegal invaders) whether by sea or land.
Agreed!
Right, Tazz. I wonder if the NPS could send an eviction notice . . . . . and make Mexico pay for it.
Haha!
Would Camp Host still be aloud to go since they are not paid employees & are willing to help what campers do go in to the parks.
I don't like the image : private buildings and services open government buildings and services closed..This leads people to falsely believe that privatization is the answer
That, I believe is the whole idea.
Real simple. Which is more important to you? Not building the wall or having the parks open. Life is all about priorities.
I already paid for the park, Mexico is paying for the wall, why is my park that I paid getting shut down again? The wall is never ever going to get build, just ask the Chinese how great a Wall is, oh wait the mongols just walked around it.
Yep, life is all about priorities. Don't build the wall...the parks won't stay closed for long.
Where I'm from that's called extortion.
Weren't you complaining that if you don't have the money to maintain what you've got, don't spend money on a new addition?
My dear friends and their extended family in Italy and France are giving up their traditional Christmas holiday for a once in a lifetime tour of the American Souhwest and all the exceptional National Parks located here. No canc Latinos, no refunds and no rescheduling. If the government shuts down it will be devastating for them and such an ugly American welcome. My family experienced the last shutdown which left tourists and more importantly veterans locked out of our national memorials which was a disgrace. I hope and pray for a quick but solid resolution.
Brian, you might be surprised by this, but I think the wall is unnecessary as well. Build a virtual wall, no jobs, no schooling, no wellfare, no healthcare they will go or stay home on their own. Unfortunately no one has the guts to do that so the physical wall will happen. With or without the parks open. That was a major plank of the President's platform and it was one of the things that got him voted in.
My understanding is that parks will still be open with a minimal staff, although it might not be ideal. A few years back there was a shutdown, and theoretically all parks were closed and all contracted services (hotels, restaurants, etc) were also closed. The only services I recall that were open were in Death Valley. But the last shutdown earlier this year didn't close all parks (and didn't last for long). It did modify the experience, with visitor centers and many activities cancelled. Also most government-funded services such as public restrooms were closed. I thought the shutdown only lasted about 9 hours though. But I believe the idea is that with entrances still (mostly) open that the businesses will still accept reservations.
The National Parks Conservation Association commented about the last shutdown.
https://www.npca.org/articles/1733-what-does-the-government-shutdown-mea...
In Utah they're reliant on tourist dollars in national parks and they're trying to let people know the parks should still be open to some extent. Apparently in 2013 the state of Utah took over operation of Zion National Park at its own expense.
https://www.visitutah.com/plan-your-trip/federal-government-shutdown-inf...
https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2018/12/18/if-government-shuts-down/
Will the Smithsonian Museums be shut down?
This was the plan in anticipation of a shutdown last January. It sounds like they were planning on staying open as long as they had enough in their rainy day reserves to stay open.
This was the plan in anticipation of a shutdown last January. It sounds like they were planning on staying open as long as they had enough in their rainy day reserves to stay open.
Thank you for the info. I have a trip planned soon and am worried about having to cancel.
Please let's not turn this message board into a discussion about "The Wall". The only wall I want to read about coming here is the stone wall confederate soldiers stood behind during the battle of Fredricksburg that now sits inside Fredericksburg NMP.
Yes, which is one good reason to build a wall. It is far cheaper than the cost of illegals in the US. But as I said before, a virtual wall would be even cheaper and just as effective if not more so.
the problem is not who is in the whitehouse. We have had government shutdowns under other presidents also. The problem is the failure of our elected officials to do their job. And that is to pass a budget in a timely manner. In my opinion, congress should not be allowed to recess and go home for the holidays without a signed budget. They should have to stay and work it out. That is what we pay them to do.
You did not note that although parks may be open,most campgrounds are not!!! No one answers phone to find out and recreation.gov has very little info on few that are open. You may be able to drive to some but you have no rights to sites you paid for.no services.no protection.no emergency servicrs.no law enforcement etc. I have enjoyed this newsletter for many years but disappointed lately. Little to read cause all podcasts and videos which are harder to get. Too much push on some things e.g.lately on harvest host even 2 days after xmas while supposed to be on vacation.feel like you must own part of it even if don't cause of constant promotion etc. Miss the simpler versions.
Sorry for the problems you're encountering, J. Campgrounds have been open, though some have closed (We noted Big Bend closed two campgrounds yesterday) when garbage became a problem. Concessions-run campgrounds should be open. Unfortunately, with non-essential Park Service personnel furloughed, getting up-to-date information from the parks is extremely difficult.