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6h ago

Smithsonian Closes as Shutdown Leaves National Parks Thinly Staffed

Many sites remain accessible under a contingency plan that limits services.

The sun sets on America's most visited national park, Great Smoky Mountains.
In West Virginia, Harpers Ferry National Park is staying open using state funds because of an agreement made with the Department of Interior.
Yosemite National Park with granite mountains El Capitan and Half Dome in the Sierra Nevada on October 7.
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Overview

  • Roughly 9,000 National Park Service employees are furloughed while Interior maintains visitor access, law enforcement and emergency response.
  • A weekend visit to Sequoia and Kings Canyon found closed visitor centers, no entrance fee collection and busy trails supported by concession-run services.
  • West Virginia used state funds to keep New River Gorge and Harpers Ferry operating through the Bridge Day period.
  • Conservation groups warn of safety and resource risks and urge closures as reports surface of drones, base jumping and trash concerns with fewer rangers.
  • With Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo closed, private Washington, DC attractions report higher attendance as businesses near parks see mixed effects.