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Reader Participation Day: Should National Parks Be Closed Or Kept Open During Government Shutdowns?

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By Kurt Repanshek - January 30th, 2019
Vandals cut down this Joshua tree in Joshua Tree National Park/NPS

Joshua Tree National Park officials said February 1 that this downed Joshua tree had been cut down prior to the recent partial government shutdown/NPS

Going back to 2013, we've now had two rather lengthy government shutdowns. In 2013, the National Park System was closed to the public, while this time around the parks were for the most part kept open. Which do you believe is the better approach?

The 2013 shutdown raised quite a bit of consternation, and some vandalism, and this year's shutdown raised quite a bit of consternation, and some vandalism. Indeed, the spectre of a downed Joshua tree this month could be seen as the sad emblem of this year's shutdown.

If you were in charge, would you order the parks closed, no matter the season, or keep the gates open and deal with the consequences?

Comments

Submitted by Krystle on January 30, 2019 - 2:11am.

The parks should be closer when the government is shut down and there is no one to maintain and protect the park. The general population doesn't adhere to 'leave no trace' and as proven this past go round, those that leave their traces can ruin the parks for decades to come. It hurts to close them but I think that is what's best for the parks. 


Submitted by Glenn Sveum on January 30, 2019 - 4:09am.

National Parks should absolutely be closed during government shutdowns!   We are all stewards of these places for the enjoyment of future generations.  It is painfully obvious that as a species we cannot be trusted with the honor system of keeping the parks in good shape on our own.  Close the parks.  Use your energy to install competent  leadership in Washington that can keep the government open. 


Submitted by Joan Berry Roberts on January 30, 2019 - 5:03am.

all National Parks should be closed during any shutdown. 


Submitted by Fred Reinitz on January 30, 2019 - 6:07am.

Close the parks during government shutdowns.  


Submitted by John Norden on January 30, 2019 - 6:28am.

I visited Yellowstone National Park when I was 4 years old.  Enjoying the National Parks for the next 65 years with my family is one of the greatest learning experiences we have had.  My children are following the example my parents gave to me.  The NPS are the experts in this dilemma. For the rest of us someone said "leave only footprints " as we cherish and learn from these places for generations.


Submitted by Sue H on January 30, 2019 - 6:46am.

Close the parks when they are not propetly staffed. 


Submitted by Jerry Neyman on January 30, 2019 - 6:53am.

Truly sad that we are even having this conversation, close them. 


Submitted by Anonymous on January 30, 2019 - 6:57am.

All parks should be closed, it's a shame people would trash them because nobody is there to stop them


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