Summary
National parks in the United States are facing closures and limited services because Congress has not agreed on government funding. Some parks are closing or cutting services like trash collection and maintenance, while others are getting state or donation support to stay open. Visitors are confused about which parks are open and what services are available.
Key Facts
- National parks are affected by a government shutdown due to a lack of funding agreement in Congress.
- Many parks have closed or are running with fewer staff and limited services.
- The National Park Service says basic services, like restroom maintenance and trash collection, may continue in some places.
- States like West Virginia, Utah, and Hawaii are helping park operations by providing funds or collecting donations.
- Visitors to some parks, like White Sands National Park, found them closed after traveling long distances.
- The shutdown has led to confusion about which parks are open and what services are available.
- Safety concerns and vandalism are issues due to limited park staff during the shutdown.
