As the ongoing government shutdown continues to grip the nation, America’s national parks are facing severe challenges, including destruction of historic sites, illegal base-jumping incidents, and uncontrolled wildlife traffic jams. Advocacy groups have expressed alarm over the deteriorating conditions as many parks remain open but with minimal staff and services.
The Trump administration’s decision to partially keep national parks operational during the longest shutdown in U.S. history has led to chaotic scenes. Visitors have encountered overflowing restrooms, accumulating trash, and neglected trails. Notably, a 70-acre wildfire near an unstaffed campground in California’s Joshua Tree National Park serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by insufficient oversight. Despite alerts from CAL FIRE and the park’s own website, updates on conditions have been sporadic.
In Pennsylvania, the Gettysburg Foundation reported a toppled stone wall at the Gettysburg National Military Park, urging the public to take matters into their own hands when it comes to park safety, due to staff shortages. The organization emphasized the shared responsibility of protecting these National Park Service sites for the safety of all visitors.
Illegal activities have also surged in areas such as California’s Yosemite National Park, where three individuals were convicted of base-jumping, exploiting the absence of adequate law enforcement. A park employee noted a concerning lack of personnel, stating that only one wilderness ranger was available to monitor the extensive area. This has allowed campground squatters and other unauthorized individuals to take liberties, believing the reduced ranger presence gives them free rein.
The decline in staffing has been an ongoing issue, with the National Park Service reportedly losing over 25 percent of its permanent workforce since January, further compromising park safety and operations. In Yellowstone National Park, for instance, there is an alarming absence of resource rangers to manage “bear jams,” where bear encounters lead to significant traffic disruptions.
In response to the deteriorating circumstances, more than 450 former leaders of the National Park Service have sent a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Bergum, calling for the closure of the parks until adequate staff can be reinstated. They argue that the parks cannot function effectively without dedicated personnel to maintain safety and cleanliness.
“The dedicated staff of the National Park Service keep them clean, safe, and functioning,” the letter emphasized. As national parks continue to face crises under the current shutdown, the collective voice of park advocates and former leaders underscores the urgent need for support and resources to protect these treasured spaces for future generations.