With a federal government shutdown possible on October 1, a group of 40 former national park superintendents is urging the Interior Department to close the entire National Park System if funding lapses.
The warning comes as lawmakers remain deadlocked over a Continuing Resolution to keep agencies operating into the new fiscal year. Without an agreement, federal appropriations will lapse, forcing agencies such as the National Park Service to shutter or severely scale back operations.
Former superintendents argue that keeping parks open without sufficient staff, as was done during the Trump administration’s first term, led to significant damage and safety risks. Past shutdowns have seen vandalism at Joshua Tree, illegal camping in Death Valley, and unauthorized activities, such as metal detecting on historic battlefields. In Sequoia and Kings Canyon, trash accumulation and human waste overwhelmed the parks, forcing them to close completely.
Park leaders say similar or worse consequences are likely if gates remain open with only skeleton crews. Without rangers and maintenance staff, essential functions such as trail upkeep, visitor education, guided tours, and scientific research would come to a halt. They also warn that leaving parks unattended could encourage looting at archaeological and battlefield sites, poaching, and destruction of fragile habitats.
Advocates stress that national parks depend on their workforce to remain safe and accessible. They note that employees not only manage daily operations but also conduct long-term projects vital to preserving cultural and natural resources. A shutdown, they argue, would jeopardize both visitor safety and the protection of irreplaceable landscapes.
Source: National Parks Traveler