DENVER — As the U.S. government continues its shutdown, the impact is adversely affecting various national parks across the country. The Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park stepped up once again, committing to pay $2,000 a day to keep the historic site in Mississippi open during this challenging period. This Civil War battlefield is crucial not only for its historical significance but also for the over 18,000 veterans' graves it houses.
Bess Averett, the executive director, emphasized the importance of safeguarding the park from potential vandalism that often occurs when it is not staffed. Various other parks are similarly vulnerable and are turning to nonprofit organizations for support.
In Hawaii, the Pacific Historic Parks reported closing the Pearl Harbor National Memorial briefly before reopening, having raised funds from the local government and businesses to cover the costs of keeping the site accessible. The fundraising efforts are crucial, as it is estimated that operating the memorial costs around $9,000 a day.
Some national parks have remained open with greatly reduced staffing and closed visitors' centers; however, organizations dedicated to these parks have begun increasing their efforts to assist visitors. For example, staff from the Rocky Mountain Conservancy are acting as ambassodors even though park rangers are unavailable, highlighting their commitment to maintaining the park's integrity during the shutdown.
Moreover, local governments like that of West Virginia have signed donation agreements to reopen visitor centers in state parks.
Unfortunately, previous shutdowns have resulted in damage to national parks, as noted by the National Parks Conservation Association. The call for stronger protection measures during these periods is gaining traction, as the value of these national sites is irreplaceable and must be preserved for future generations.
Bess Averett, the executive director, emphasized the importance of safeguarding the park from potential vandalism that often occurs when it is not staffed. Various other parks are similarly vulnerable and are turning to nonprofit organizations for support.
In Hawaii, the Pacific Historic Parks reported closing the Pearl Harbor National Memorial briefly before reopening, having raised funds from the local government and businesses to cover the costs of keeping the site accessible. The fundraising efforts are crucial, as it is estimated that operating the memorial costs around $9,000 a day.
Some national parks have remained open with greatly reduced staffing and closed visitors' centers; however, organizations dedicated to these parks have begun increasing their efforts to assist visitors. For example, staff from the Rocky Mountain Conservancy are acting as ambassodors even though park rangers are unavailable, highlighting their commitment to maintaining the park's integrity during the shutdown.
Moreover, local governments like that of West Virginia have signed donation agreements to reopen visitor centers in state parks.
Unfortunately, previous shutdowns have resulted in damage to national parks, as noted by the National Parks Conservation Association. The call for stronger protection measures during these periods is gaining traction, as the value of these national sites is irreplaceable and must be preserved for future generations.
