Parts of the federal government went into shutdown mode on Wednesday, Oct. 1, but many of the national parks including the Great Sand Dunes remain accessible to the public. The Valley’s wildlife refuges also remain accessible.
During federal government shutdowns, the roads, trails, and lookouts of the Great Sand Dunes will remain open. What’s suspended are any ranger-led programs, the visitor’s center and any requests for permits needed to experience the national park and preserve.
“The NPS will not issue permits, conduct interpretive or educational programs, collect trash, operate or provide restrooms, maintain roads and walkways (including plowing and ice melting) or provide visitor information,” according to the national park service contingency plan.
The National Park Service planned to furlough 9,296 employees, according to the contingency plan. The federal government is funded on a fiscal year cycle that operates between Oct. 1 and Sept. 30. Once Congress and the White House agree on funding levels for the new fiscal year, furloughed employees are expected to return to work the next workday.
“Furloughed employees are expected to monitor public broadcasts and the Internet, including but not limited to DOI.gov, for information and public notices relevant to any appropriation or continuing resolution for DOI passed by Congress and signed by the President. They will be expected to return to regular duty on the next workday immediately after the end of the lapse in appropriation.”
The National Parks Service under the Trump Administration has lost 24 percent of its staff since January, according to an estimate by the National Parks Conservation Association.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis called on the Trump Administration to keep national parks open.
“We’re asking the Federal government to keep national parks open and staffed, or create avenues for the state to assist in keeping parks open and protected. National Parks are a major draw for visitors from around the world, and a major economic driver for Colorado’s rural communities. If Congress does not fund the federal government, I urge the Administration to prioritize the operations of the national parks so that they can continue to be enjoyed. Here in Colorado, we are evaluating all options, and are a willing partner if needed, to use limited State funds to keep our biggest park fully operational if necessary,” Polis said in a statement to Alamosa Citizen.