Some national parks could stay open if the federal government shuts down
WASHINGTON — Some national parks may remain open even if the federal government shuts down.
The Interior Department said Thursday it would allow limited access to many national parks and other public lands if Congress is unable to pass a spending bill before midnight Friday, triggering a government shutdown.
"We fully expect the government to remain open,” Interior Department spokeswoman Heather Swift said in a written statement. “However, in the event of a shutdown, National Parks and other public lands will remain as accessible as possible while still following all applicable laws and procedures.”
If national parks stay open during a shutdown, that would reflect a significant change in policy.
During the last government shutdown, which occurred in 2013, the Obama administration closed park entrances and put up barriers around national monuments. The policy sparked a public outrage when veterans were turned away from the World War II Memorial in Washington. Some states paid to keep their national parks open.
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In the event of another government shutdown, “the American public and especially our veterans who come to our nation's capital should find war memorials and open air parks open to the public,” Swift said.
“Additionally,” she said, “many of our national parks, refuges and other public lands will still try to allow limited access wherever possible.”
“For example, this means that roads that have already been open should remain open (think snow removal) and vaulted toilets (wilderness type restrooms) should remain open,” Swift said.
Services that require staffing and maintenance, such as campgrounds, full service restrooms, and concessions that require some park staff or assistance will not be operating, Swift said.
“Other areas such as culturally sensitive areas or backcountry areas that present a risk to visitors may also have restricted access,” she said.