National Parks Stay Open, But Services Face Deep Cuts
National Parks Stay Open, But Services Face Deep Cuts
Despite the federal government shutdown, most national parks will remain open with minimal staff, as the Trump administration plans to use park fees to fund a skeleton crew of essential employees[1][4]. Roads, trails, and open-air sites will generally stay accessible, but visitor centers, restrooms, and guided tours will be closed or severely limited, leaving many parkgoers without basic amenities or support[1][2]. The move has drawn criticism from conservation groups and former park superintendents, who warn that understaffed parks risk serious harm from vandalism, trash buildup, and environmental degradation, as seen during previous shutdowns[4][5].
Risks and Revenue Losses Mount for Parks and Communities
With more than half the National Park Service workforce furloughed, emergency and maintenance services will be scaled back, and only critical safety operations will continue[1][2]. Parks that collect fees may offer basic sanitation and law enforcement, but those without fee revenue face deeper service cuts[3]. Meanwhile, gateway communities stand to lose millions in tourism dollars each day the shutdown persists[5]. Critics argue that keeping parks open without adequate staffing endangers both visitors and natural resources, repeating mistakes of past shutdowns that left lasting scars on America’s most treasured landscapes[4][5].
