The federal government has shut down. Unfortunately, our parks should too. We cannot stand by and watch history repeat itself...
When Congress fails to do its job and fund the government, the law requires that federal workers are furloughed until congressional funding is restored. However, the administration intends to keep some parks partially open – despite not having enough staff to safeguard the parks. We’ve seen the consequences of this approach in Big Bend, in Joshua Tree, in Death Valley and in so many other parks.
The damage that occurred in our national parks during the latest federal government shutdown in 2018 and 2019 took months to recover from. And in some cases, the damage was irreparable. Americans should brace themselves for more of the same if parks remain open and unprotected as this shutdown drags on.
It’s tragic, but until the federal government reopens, the administration should require national parks to close their gates to safeguard our most cherished places and keep visitors safe. Park staff should not be forced to swing the gates open and walk away.
If a national park has a gate or door, it must be locked until a funding deal is reached and our parks can be staffed and protected. Tell Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to protect precious park wildlife, historic artifacts and park visitors by closing parks until the shutdown ends.
