If you get my newsletter, you may have seen my tip last week about the possibility of a government shutdown and what travelers should expect. There are several concerns for travelers, including longer waits at immigration checkpoints, border crossings, TSA security lines, and potential delays in getting passports or visas.
The National Park Service is another area that will be especially hard hit during a shutdown. Most parks either close completely or operate with very limited services. This means closed visitor centers, locked restrooms, unstaffed campgrounds, and no educational programs. Some sites may still be physically accessible, but services will be minimal. If your fall plans include a park, check its status before you go.
I’m hoping our government comes to its senses and reaches a deal. But if they don’t, here’s an important tip from one of our readers. Mickey writes, “As a retired National Park Ranger, I beg you NOT to go to a national park during a government shutdown. You need people working to protect the park and the visitors. Show solidarity for park rangers and respect the work they do by staying away from federal lands, and contact your congress people to tell them to end the shutdown.
Parks get damaged during shutdowns, making it even harder for the reduced staff when they return. People get lost, accidents happen, no information is provided, visitors need emergency services, vandalism occurs, and more.
You wouldn’t expect me to come to your office if you weren’t there because of a shutdown, would you?”
Let’s hope our government doesn’t shut down, but if it does, please consider Mickey’s advice.
