Former National Park Chiefs Urge Shutdown Precautions

Fri Oct 10 2025 14:17:59 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In light of potential government shutdowns, former national park superintendents advocate for closing parks to protect natural resources and visitor safety. They warn that previous shutdowns have led to vandalism and neglect.

A group of 40 former national park superintendents has urged the Trump administration to close parks during any government shutdown to avoid damage to natural resources and ensure visitor safety. They cite previous shutdowns that led to vandalism and a hazardous environment for visitors due to reduced park staffing and neglected maintenance. The letter, organized by the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, highlights the essential role of park employees in maintaining the safety and accessibility of these national treasures.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A coalition of former national park superintendents is urging the Trump administration to consider closing national parks to visitors during potential government shutdowns. This precautionary measure stems from past experiences where parks were left open, resulting in vandalism, wildlife habitat destruction, and threats to visitor safety.

The group of 40 former superintendents issued a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, emphasizing that a shutdown could exacerbate existing problems due to a significant 24% reduction in park staff along with severe budget cuts. According to the superintendents, a recent directive from Burgum aimed at keeping parks accessible has led to the neglect of critical maintenance tasks, including trash collection.

“Leaving parks partially open during a shutdown with minimal staffing is both reckless and compromises the safety of visitors and the parks' resources,” the former officials highlighted in their communication.

They pointed out that the absence of park staff jeopardizes everything from the maintenance of buildings and trails to educational programs. Long-term conservation projects and ongoing research are also at risk during a shutdown.

The letter was organized by the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks and the Association of National Park Rangers. The Interior Department and the National Park Service have not yet responded to requests for comment on this issue.