We — my husband, sister-in-law and I— planned a 4-day trip to Acadia NP. Now I’m researching sightseeing options in the area outside the park since we already made lodging reservations in the area.
Theodora, I’m sorry to hear your plans have to change but am so happy for your choice! You’re both supporting the parks and the communities surrounding them that are suffering through the shutdown. Thank you for reading.
Hi Friends, happy Stephanie has highlighted yet another hateful decision by the Fed Gov affecting our collective love and pride in our National Parks. I understand there are many other horrendous decisions made in and out of that Bad Bloated Budget; shame on them.. Some will say it is only our Parks and not taking away Medicaid etc and they are right however Over the years visitors to the Parks have experienced the unique healing power of the Parks; like Nature's medicine. Even Teddy Roosevelt recognized the beauty and grandeur of the Parks. So below is a draft letter from NPCA to send on to your Congressional reps assuming they will show up from their "vacation".
National Parks Conservation Association
Secretary Burgum must close our parks.
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.
This message will be sent to Secretary Burgum:
Doug Burgum
US Department of the Interior
National parks must be closed during the government shutdown.
I’m writing today as a supporter of national parks and as someone who is worried about the damage our natural and historic treasures could face during a government shutdown.
When parks were left open during the last government shutdown, illegal off-roading damaged ecosystems, vandals cut down Joshua Trees, and waste piled up. Leaving parks open with little or no staff was a disaster that threatened both park resources and the safety of visitors. We must not allow history to repeat itself.
Please take all necessary steps to close national parks during the shutdown so these places can be preserved for future generations.
Thanks for relaying this important message!
Thank you for reading and for sharing, Scott!
We — my husband, sister-in-law and I— planned a 4-day trip to Acadia NP. Now I’m researching sightseeing options in the area outside the park since we already made lodging reservations in the area.
Theodora, I’m sorry to hear your plans have to change but am so happy for your choice! You’re both supporting the parks and the communities surrounding them that are suffering through the shutdown. Thank you for reading.
A small but powerful sacrifice we can all make to support our parks. Count me in!
Thanks for sharing this!
Hi Friends, happy Stephanie has highlighted yet another hateful decision by the Fed Gov affecting our collective love and pride in our National Parks. I understand there are many other horrendous decisions made in and out of that Bad Bloated Budget; shame on them.. Some will say it is only our Parks and not taking away Medicaid etc and they are right however Over the years visitors to the Parks have experienced the unique healing power of the Parks; like Nature's medicine. Even Teddy Roosevelt recognized the beauty and grandeur of the Parks. So below is a draft letter from NPCA to send on to your Congressional reps assuming they will show up from their "vacation".
National Parks Conservation Association
Secretary Burgum must close our parks.
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.
This message will be sent to Secretary Burgum:
Doug Burgum
US Department of the Interior
National parks must be closed during the government shutdown.
I’m writing today as a supporter of national parks and as someone who is worried about the damage our natural and historic treasures could face during a government shutdown.
When parks were left open during the last government shutdown, illegal off-roading damaged ecosystems, vandals cut down Joshua Trees, and waste piled up. Leaving parks open with little or no staff was a disaster that threatened both park resources and the safety of visitors. We must not allow history to repeat itself.
Please take all necessary steps to close national parks during the shutdown so these places can be preserved for future generations.
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