National Park Service Braces for Potential Shutdown: The National Park Service is on high alert with a potential government shutdown looming. They have backup plans that may close most of America’s national parks. As Congress tackles budget talks, strategies are informed by past shutdowns.
If funding for the National Park Service ran out, most national parks would have to be closed as they rely on financing for employee salaries and park maintenance. Some parks, like the National Mall in Washington, DC, and the Gateway National Park in San Francisco, may remain open, but visitor services will be reduced.
If you visit a closed park, expect locked gates, secure tourist centres, and no updates on trails or roads. Putting park guards on leave would impact tourist and resource safety.
The upcoming government shutdown may impact social media projects by the National Park Service, including Fat Bear Week, which showcases bears in Alaska’s Katmai National Park preparing for winter. Due to downtime, NPS websites and social media accounts would be unavailable, impacting the planned annual event.
Most parks may close, but some states fund them as a backup. Arizona’s governor, Katie Hobbs, wants to keep the Grand Canyon open.
These closures are due to lessons learned from previous shutdowns, like the 35-day one in 20182019 that left parks with unstaffed bathrooms, graffiti, and depleted resources. The National Park Service is committed to preventing future problems. They must address budget issues and ensure the preservation of these natural wonders.
Our Reader’s Queries
Is the government going to shut down 2023?
Congress has successfully passed a bill that President Biden signed, preventing a government shutdown for the second time since October 2023. The newly elected Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, proposed a unique two-step plan that introduces varying shutdown deadlines. This approach has proven to be effective in avoiding any potential shutdowns and ensuring the smooth functioning of the federal government.
How to prepare for government shutdown?
In times of crisis, having an emergency fund can be a lifesaver. Take, for instance, a government shutdown. For many of us, missing even one paycheck can be a major emergency. But with an emergency fund, you can rest easy knowing that you have a safety net to fall back on. If your paycheck doesn’t come in, you can dip into your emergency fund and pay it back once the government is funded and you receive backpay. It’s a smart move that can help you weather any storm.
What happens if there is a government shutdown?
During a “shutdown,” federal agencies are required to halt all non-essential discretionary functions until new funding legislation is passed and signed into law. However, essential services and mandatory spending programs will continue to operate.
Does TSA shut down during government shutdown?
The prospect of a government shutdown can lead to low morale among workers, which could eventually impact airport operations. Although TSA and air traffic controllers would still be required to work, the delay in receiving their pay could negatively affect their motivation and efficiency, ultimately hampering the smooth functioning of airport operations. It is important to address these concerns and ensure that workers are adequately compensated to maintain a high level of morale and productivity.