Government shutdown live updates as impasse enters second day
Share and Follow

The National Park Service, which is part of the Interior Department, released its plans for the shutdown late Tuesday evening. The document says 9,296 of the service’s 14,500 employees will be furloughed, but many areas will remain open to the public.

“Park roads, lookouts, trails, and open-air memorials will generally remain accessible to visitors,” the plan says.

The NPS’ plan for the parks themselves makes a distinction between those with accessible areas that collect fees under a law known as the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act and those that don’t. The agency has a list of parks that do and don’t charge fees on its website here.

About 100 of the 400 parks in the National Parks system collect fees. Those parks that have accessible areas will use available fees to provide “basic visitor services” to maintain “restrooms and sanitation, trash collection, road maintenance, campground operations, law enforcement and emergency operations, and staffing entrance gates as necessary to provide critical safety information.”

Parks with accessible areas that don’t collect fees may be able to use “regional or national” fees with the approval of the service’s director.

Parks without accessible areas will not operate during the shutdown, the NPS plan says. Staffing will be at a minimum and “[n]o visitor services will be provided.” The service “will not issue permits, conduct interpretive or educational programs, collect trash, operate or provide restrooms, maintain roads and walkways (including plowing and ice melting) or provide visitor information.”

“As a general rule, if a facility or area is locked or secured during non-business hours (buildings, gated parking lots, etc.) it should be locked or secured for the duration of the shutdown,” the plan says. 

The service says parks can enter into agreements with state and local governments and third parties “for donations to fund the full operation of an individual park unit or for specified services.” 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Suspect steals Bedford Park police squad car, US Postal Service truck, hits mother, 2 children in Bridgeview, officials say

Ex-Crystal Lake Clerk Nicholas Kachiroubas Receives 5-Year Sentence for Child Exploitation Charges

A Crystal Lake resident and local city clerk has been handed a…
Everybody Loves Raymond cast now unrecognizable during reunion special

Unveiling the Transformation: ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ Cast Reunites, Sparking Nostalgia

Fans of the beloved sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond” were treated to a…
Advocacy groups urge parents to avoid AI toys this holiday season

Consumer Advocates Warn Parents: Steer Clear of AI Toys This Holiday Season

As the holiday shopping season kicks off, child advocacy organizations are raising…
Democrat defends herself after comments she 'hates' Nashville surface

Democratic Leader Responds to Controversy Over Alleged Comments About Nashville

A Democratic candidate vying for a Congressional seat to represent Nashville has…
Trump ‘satisfied’ with conclusion would-be assassin Thomas Crooks acted alone: FBI

FBI Confirms Solo Act: Trump Relieved as Thomas Crooks’ Assassination Attempt Deemed Independent

The FBI has concluded that Thomas Crooks, who attempted to assassinate former…
Marjorie Taylor Greene says she is resigning from Congress in January

Marjorie Taylor Greene Announces Resignation from Congress Effective January

WASHINGTON — Georgia’s Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, once a staunch ally of…
Putin calls dancing Russian robot 'very beautiful' in awkward AI conference moment

Putin Praises ‘Beautiful’ Dancing Robot at AI Conference, Sparking Awkward Viral Moment

During an AI exhibition in Moscow on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin…
Shooting at an Oklahoma State University residence hall wounds at least 3 people

Texas Duo Allegedly Plotted to Seize Control of Caribbean Island, Say Federal Prosecutors

In a startling revelation, federal prosecutors allege that two men from Texas…