Former Park Superintendents Urge Shutdown of National Parks if Funding is Cut

Tue Oct 21 2025 02:14:23 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A group of former national park leaders is calling on the government to prioritize safety and conservation by closing national parks during a possible shutdown.

In a plea to protect national parks, 40 former superintendents are urging the Trump administration to close parks to the public if a government shutdown occurs. They cite previous shutdowns that resulted in vandalism and resource neglect due to minimal staffing. The officials stress that without proper staff, both park resources and visitor safety could be compromised.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Over 40 former national park superintendents are advocating for the closure of national parks to visitors if the government shuts down. They fear that a lack of staffing and maintenance could lead to destruction and visitor harm, echoing experiences from previous shutdowns.

The group highlighted that national parks, already facing staff reductions and budget cuts, need proper management to ensure visitor safety and the preservation of these treasured locations. They argue that without adequate staffing, vital park services, including maintenance and education programs, suffer significantly, putting both nature and visitors at risk.

In their letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, they urged the administration to reconsider its approach, emphasizing that if parks can't be properly staffed, they shouldn't be open to the public at all. The letter concluded that protecting our national parks should be a priority, urging the government to act responsibly during financial uncertainties.