Concerns Mount Over National Parks’ Operation Amid Potential Government Shutdown
As the possibility of a government shutdown looms, the operation of national parks is under scrutiny. A group of former park superintendents, including Robert Arnberger, has raised alarms about the risks posed to national parks if they remain open with limited staffing during such a shutdown.
Arnberger, who previously managed Grand Canyon National Park, emphasized the threat to both park resources and safety. “When you don’t have the staff on the ground, you cannot protect visitors, you cannot protect the resources, and you cannot protect the employees who are still required to work,” he stated.
According to the National Parks Conservation Association, the Park Service workforce has already decreased by 25% since President Trump’s return to office. This reduction could exacerbate the challenges faced during a shutdown, as experienced in past instances like those of 2013 and 2018, when significant damage occurred due to lack of supervision.
The Grand Canyon, which saw 4.9 million visitors last year, is particularly vulnerable. Arnberger recalled that during previous shutdowns, vandalism and environmental damage were prevalent, leading to temporary closures for cleanup after the government resumed operations.
The ongoing budget negotiations have yet to yield a resolution, with the fiscal year deadline fast approaching. Republicans have suggested an extension of the current funding levels, but lack sufficient Senate support without Democratic backing. Democrats are calling for the reversal of substantial cuts to healthcare and assurance against further program reductions.
In the event of a shutdown, nonessential services are expected to halt. While Social Security and mail services will continue, many federal employees could face furloughs or delayed pay. Arizona alone had nearly 64,000 federal employees as of March, with about 25% being veterans.
Despite Congress typically authorizing backpay post-shutdown, President Trump has threatened layoffs, a move likely to face legal challenges. Mario Campos, a union leader representing government employees in the western states, expressed concern over these threats and the administration’s disregard for established norms.
Arizona’s economy, heavily reliant on tourism, may suffer significantly if national parks like the Grand Canyon close. Last year, park visitors contributed $1.4 billion to the state’s economy, supporting approximately 9,000 jobs. Nationwide, national parks generate $29 billion in spending for local communities.
The Interior Department’s plan from March 2024 suggested closing parks within a week of a shutdown, although this is currently under review. The last prolonged shutdown during Trump’s term kept parks open but resulted in various issues, such as illegal activities and vandalism in parks like Joshua Tree and Death Valley.
In a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the former superintendents highlighted the essential role of park staff in maintaining safety and accessibility: “National parks don’t run themselves. It is hardworking National Park Service employees that keep them safe, clean, and accessible.”
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