NEW YORK (AP) — Crowds boarded boats for tours around the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, seemingly unaffected by the ongoing government shutdown that has furloughed approximately two-thirds of National Park Service employees.
In contrast, tourists in Philadelphia seeking a glimpse of the Liberty Bell faced disappointment as they were turned away from its entrance at Independence Mall, feeling the effects of the shutdown first-hand.
A contingency plan issued by the National Park Service stated that while many outdoor areas, memorials, and park roads would remain accessible, reduced staff levels might lead to closures of certain parks and restricted services. Tourists are left asking whether they can still use camping permits at places like Chaco Culture National Historical Park and if access to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado will be permitted.
Limited communication on government websites has spurred numerous inquiries on social media about park accessibility, as visitors express concerns about the state of trash and maintenance in open parks.
Despite closures in popular attractions like Vicksburg National Military Park, some non-profits are working to re-open access by funding staff with donations. Meanwhile, notable parks such as Acadia National Park in Maine have registered the absence of park rangers, leaving hikers without trail maps at shuttered visitor centers.
While essential services are maintained in open national parks, such as safety and resource protection, nearly 9,300 employees remain on furlough, limiting comprehensive services.
The National Park Service manages a wide array of sites including iconic parks like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon. Past shutdowns have seen vandalism and resource damage due to similar staff reductions, alarming advocates who fear history may repeat itself.
To mitigate impacts, parks are allowed to partner with states or local governments for funding, as seen in previous shutdowns where states like Utah, Colorado, and Arizona contributed significant amounts to maintain park operations.
As uncertainties linger, the public remains eager for answers about park accessibility and the continuation of services during this challenging period.
