More than 35 former national park superintendents are sounding the alarm: if the U.S. government shuts down next week, America’s iconic parks must close—not stay open with skeleton crews. In a strongly worded letter sent to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum on September 26, 2025, these seasoned leaders warned that repeating the Trump administration’s 2019 decision to keep parks open during a shutdown could cause irreversible ecological and cultural damage .
Why This Warning Matters Now
With a potential government shutdown looming, the Interior Department has yet to release its contingency plans for the National Park Service (NPS). That silence has sparked anxiety among conservationists, park staff, and historians alike—especially given that parks are already operating with critically reduced staffing due to federal workforce cuts .
🌿 Key Fact: At least 1 in 5 of the nation’s 433 national parks were understaffed this summer, according to a New York Times investigation .
Lessons from the 2019 Shutdown
During the 35-day government shutdown in 2018–2019, the Trump administration kept most national parks open despite furloughing 80% of NPS staff. The consequences were severe:
- Joshua Tree National Park: Vandalism and illegal camping led to the cutting down of protected Joshua trees
- Death Valley: Off-road vehicles tore through fragile dry lake beds, leaving scars that take decades to heal
- Yosemite: Overflowing trash bins and human waste contaminated trails and water sources
- Yellowstone: Wildlife disturbances increased due to lack of ranger patrols
2025: An Even Riskier Scenario
Today’s conditions are more precarious than in 2019. Federal hiring freezes and workforce reductions have left parks without enough biologists, archaeologists, and maintenance crews. In many locations, seasonal staff have already departed, stretching permanent employees even thinner .
What Happens When Parks Operate Without Full Staff?
| Function | Impact of Staff Shortage |
|---|---|
| Visitor Safety | Delayed emergency response; unmonitored hazardous areas |
| Resource Protection | Increased vandalism, looting, and habitat destruction |
| Historic Preservation | Deferred maintenance on monuments, buildings, and artifacts |
| Ecosystem Management | Invasive species spread unchecked; fire risks rise |
Voices from the Field
Emily Thompson, executive director of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, put it bluntly: “We don’t leave museums open without curators, or airports without air traffic controllers. We should not leave our national parks open without National Park Service workers” .
The former superintendents’ letter emphasized that keeping parks open during a shutdown is not just irresponsible—it’s dangerous for both visitors and natural resources.
What Should Happen During a Shutdown?
Experts recommend a clear, consistent protocol:
- Immediate closure of all non-essential park areas
- Minimal staffing only for life-threatening emergencies and critical infrastructure
- Public communication campaign to inform travelers of closures
- Post-shutdown assessment teams to document and repair damage
For more on how federal policy affects public lands, see our guide: [INTERNAL_LINK:national-parks-funding-and-policy].
For authoritative data on park conditions and staffing, visit the National Park Service official website.
Sources
- https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/26/us/politics/national-parks-open-government-shutdown.html
- https://www.nps.gov
- https://www.coalitiontoprotectamericasnationalparks.org
- https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-24-106297
