NEW YORK (AP) — Crowds of people loaded onto boats to tour the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Wednesday morning, with no immediate signs of the government shutdown that is triggering the furlough of about two-thirds of National Park Service employees.
However, in Philadelphia, tourists hoping to visit the Liberty Bell were turned away at the entrance. They could only glance at the iconic symbol of freedom behind glass.
A contingency plan released by the park service noted that “park roads, lookouts, trails, and open-air memorials will generally remain accessible to visitors.” Yet, with limited staffing, areas without “accessible areas” would close, and parks could shut down if damage occurs or trash accumulates.
Visitors took to social media, questioning whether camping permits were still valid at remote parks like Chaco Culture National Historical Park and if the gates would open at Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park.
The shutdown of nearly 9,300 employees poses a problem for park services that must provide only essential services focused on safety and property protection. In Mississippi, Vicksburg National Military Park, a major tourism destination, has closed down, while Acadia National Park in Maine lacked park rangers at visitor centers, leaving hikers without guidance or maps.
The Park Service oversees numerous sites like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and critical monuments. Many of these areas serve as economic engines for local communities. Previous shutdowns have shown that staying open with limited staff can lead to significant issues including vandalism and environmental damage. This time around, park superintendents have pushed to close the parks to prevent a repeat of past chaotic conditions.
Negotiations for states to fund park operations could emerge, as seen in previous shutdowns, with Utah last working out a $1.7 million deal in 2013 to keep national parks operational. However, some states like Arizona reported they could not afford similar contributions this time. The ongoing uncertainty leaves many wondering how the iconic sites will manage under dwindling resources.
However, in Philadelphia, tourists hoping to visit the Liberty Bell were turned away at the entrance. They could only glance at the iconic symbol of freedom behind glass.
A contingency plan released by the park service noted that “park roads, lookouts, trails, and open-air memorials will generally remain accessible to visitors.” Yet, with limited staffing, areas without “accessible areas” would close, and parks could shut down if damage occurs or trash accumulates.
Visitors took to social media, questioning whether camping permits were still valid at remote parks like Chaco Culture National Historical Park and if the gates would open at Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park.
The shutdown of nearly 9,300 employees poses a problem for park services that must provide only essential services focused on safety and property protection. In Mississippi, Vicksburg National Military Park, a major tourism destination, has closed down, while Acadia National Park in Maine lacked park rangers at visitor centers, leaving hikers without guidance or maps.
The Park Service oversees numerous sites like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and critical monuments. Many of these areas serve as economic engines for local communities. Previous shutdowns have shown that staying open with limited staff can lead to significant issues including vandalism and environmental damage. This time around, park superintendents have pushed to close the parks to prevent a repeat of past chaotic conditions.
Negotiations for states to fund park operations could emerge, as seen in previous shutdowns, with Utah last working out a $1.7 million deal in 2013 to keep national parks operational. However, some states like Arizona reported they could not afford similar contributions this time. The ongoing uncertainty leaves many wondering how the iconic sites will manage under dwindling resources.
