- National parks will remain open during the government shutdown.
- While the parks are open, many services like visitors centers and trash collection will not be open.
- The bare bones staffing for the parks has some conservation groups concerned.
ADVERTISEMENT
National parks will be open during the government shutdown — but there's a catch
The national parks will stay open during the government shutdown, but low staff number could be seriously damaging for the environment.
One of the most indelible images of the 2013 government shutdown was the signs posted outside major landmarks and parks announcing their closure.
From the Lincoln Memorial to Yellowstone National Park, the "CLOSED" signs became ammunition in a fight over government funding.
The shutdown that kicked off at midnight Saturday and will continue into the weekend will be a little different though, as the Trump administration announced that national parks will remain open during the lapse in federal funding.
ADVERTISEMENT
During a press conference, Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney — whose office spearheads the shutdown plans for federal agencies — laid out the difference.
"
Theresa Pierno, President and CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association, expressed similar concern in a statement Friday.
"There is no substitute for National Park Service staff and their expertise, and it is not wise to put the public or our park resources at risk by allowing for half-measures to keep them open," the statement said. "And yet, that’s exactly what the Department of Interior is asking park superintendents to do."
"Keeping parks open with virtually no staff is a risky situation, and the guidance park staff is being given is vague at best."
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng
ADVERTISEMENT