Summary
Yosemite National Park has experienced illegal activities, like unauthorized camping and BASE jumping, during a government shutdown that has limited park staffing. The shutdown has reduced enforcement capabilities, leading to these issues. The National Park Service and others have warned about the risks due to the lack of staff.
Key Facts
- Illegal activities at Yosemite include unauthorized entry and camping.
- There have been unpermitted BASE jumps, which are banned in national parks.
- The government shutdown has significantly reduced staffing at national parks.
- Reduced staff means fewer enforcement actions to protect visitors and the park.
- Former park officials have criticized keeping parks open with minimal staff.
- Yosemite is one of 433 sites overseen by the National Park Service.
- The NPS had a record of over 331 million recreational visits in 2024.
- Officials express concern over the ongoing government shutdown and its impacts.
