In the meantime, the federal government barrels toward a shutdown. In the short term, this means that national parks around the country will remain only partially open, leaving millions of visitors with drastically limited access. To weather this difficult stretch, the National Park Service (NPS) has put together a controversial contingency plan. Over 9,000 of its 14,500 person workforce are currently under furloughs.
Just hours before the funding lapse went into effect, administration officials finally posted the shutdown plan. It focused on detailing the effects on different facilities and services. Those parks without quickly accessible outdoor areas will compound their closures entirely, while those that can mitigate or minimize the damage will endure reduced staffing. This multi-pronged approach seeks to prioritize visitor access while addressing environmental safety and long-term infrastructure maintenance.
Staffing and Visitor Access
This means facilities that need staff supervision, like kitchens and recreation centers, won’t be open during the shutdown. National parks Visitor centers and other public-facing facilities will stay closed throughout the potential shutdown. Even gated parking lots with regular opening and closing times. Other parks might be finding that their outdoor spaces remain open and accessible. With no staff on site, visitors must remain vigilant.
The NPS’s plan follows a decades-long pattern of national parks staying open with almost no staff during past federal government shutdowns. Forty past secretaries of education signed a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. They noted the lack of adequate staffing was putting visitor safety at risk and compromising care and maintenance in the parks.
“National parks don’t run themselves. It is hard-working National Park Service employees that keep them safe, clean and accessible.” – 40 former superintendents
Financial Impact on Local Communities
The limited conditions of national parks still open during the shutdown will inevitably create ripple effects into the communities that surround these treasured attractions. Many local businesses that depend on tourism from national park visitors—like lodges or tour companies—are predicted to face huge financial losses. The consequences of limited access, NPS has noted, are compounded for the 300 million+ visitors who have spent years developing their own personal story. Each year, these parks are packed during this period.
Park advocates and local leaders successfully mobilized against early shutdown plans. In response, a decision was quickly made to activate a contingency plan. This move came after the Trump administration drew significant criticism for closing parks as needed without having sufficient staff on the ground to manage them safely.
“If sufficient staff aren’t there, visitors shouldn’t be either,” – 40 former superintendents
Future of National Parks During Shutdowns
The NPS’s emergency plan signals a strong intention to prioritize visitor safety within the limits of their budgetary obligations. With greatly reduced staffing during the shutdown, the NPS will need to be extra vigilant in keeping tabs on park conditions. They will be monitoring visitor behavior to maintain proper order, safety and decorum.
The ongoing situation highlights the delicate balance between providing public access to these natural resources and ensuring that they are responsibly managed. Millions more would love to visit our national parks and open spaces. As we face this longest-ever government shutdown, we’re reminded again about the vital role of strong, experienced staff in protecting these beloved landscapes.
