As a government shutdown looms, attention is turning to what will happen to national parks in the absence of government funding
Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
** What a government shutdown could mean for national parks
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Thursday, September 28, 2023
Closed national park during the 2013 government shutdown. daveynin/flickr ([link removed])
As a government shutdown looms ([link removed]) , attention is turning to what will happen to national parks ([link removed]) in the absence of government funding. Every aspect of park operations, from interpretive programs and search and rescue to maintenance and cleaning, hinges on federal employees being paid to do their jobs.
Last week, Wyoming Senator John Barrasso urged the Interior Department ([link removed]) to keep parks open, as it did during the 2018-2019 shutdown. During that shutdown, the Trump administration opted to keep parks open with a minimal number of essential employees. This decision resulted in overflowing trash and toilets, stolen historical artifacts, damaged ecosystems, and at least one death ([link removed]) . The funding approach taken by the Trump administration during this time, using fees from the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA), was later deemed illegal by the Government Accountability Office ([link removed]) .
Closing parks, as required by law when Congress defunds the government, comes with economic consequences. National parks play a significant role in the U.S. economy, contributing $50.3 billion and supporting 378,400 jobs this year ([link removed]) . Communities near these parks rely heavily on tourism, and a shutdown can have severe economic ramifications. When the Obama administration closed parks during the 2013 shutdown, there was an estimated loss of $414 million in economic activity ([link removed]) .
An alternative solution is for states to fund national parks during a shutdown, and some states are already proposing plans. In Arizona, Governor Katie Hobbs announced a plan ([link removed]) to use lottery funds to keep Grand Canyon National Park open if the government shuts down. Utah ([link removed]) lawmakers ([link removed]) also say they intend to keep national parks open—though their plan involves using FLREA funds—and Governor Spencer Cox ([link removed]) has requested ([link removed]) Congress reimburse the state for the cost of operating
national parks during both this shutdown and the 2013 shutdown.
** Quick hits
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What a government shutdown could mean for national parks
Outside ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed]) | Capital Public Radio ([link removed]) | Source NM ([link removed]) | CBS News ([link removed])
One of America’s reddest states wants 100% green energy—if dams count as green
Los Angeles Times ([link removed])
Biden vetoes two bills that would remove protections for the prairie chicken and northern bat
The Hill ([link removed]) | PBS ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed]) | Kansas Reflector ([link removed]) | NM Political Report ([link removed])
Splash dams’ legacy is one of scars and damage, but a Washington group is trying to change that
The Columbian ([link removed])
To protect wild bumblebees, people have to find them first
High Country News ([link removed])
Crayfish have invaded Lake Granby, the species’ first dangerous foray into the Colorado River system
Colorado Sun ([link removed])
Opinion: Free the American West from barbed wire
New York Times ([link removed])
Opinion: Let's blow the whistle on public lands abusers
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel ([link removed]) | Denver Post ([link removed]) | Adventure Journal ([link removed])
** Quote of the day
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” Federal agencies like [the National Park Service] have an important job to do, and they show up and do it for the American people every day. The Park Service is more visible than others, but they’re all important. I hope the members of Congress will show up and do their job too.”
—Jon Jarvis, former director of the National Park Service, Outside ([link removed])
** Picture This
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@zionnps ([link removed])
While slightly smaller than its relative the red fox, don’t be fooled by the size of the gray fox. This mischievous canine has the special ability to climb trees. In fact, it’s the only species of canine in North America that can climb trees thanks to rotating forearms and semi-retractable claws. They climb trees to escape predators, find food, or take a snooze. As an omnivore, their diet varies from fruit to nuts, to insects and small animals. However, they fall prey to mountain lions, bobcats, owls, and hawks.
These mammals are most active at night but may be seen in the early morning and evening too. Don’t be discouraged though if you don’t see one. Afterall, they have a reputation of being clever, curious, and sneaky. As you explore the park, look for signs of them. Scat is most seen on trails and oftentimes with seeds from juniper trees or fruit from cacti. racks are another feature to look for while you’re out hiking. Remember to always keep your distance, keep your eyes on the road, and respect all wildlife.
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