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National Parks' Closure Being Highlighted In Congressional Budget Impasse

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Published Date

April 6, 2011

National parks are being wielded to build opposition to the congressional budget impasse that could lead to the first shutdown of the federal government since 1995-96.

In a release sent wide and far, U.S. Rep. Ed Markey, the ranking Democrat on the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee, raised the spectre of a shuttered Yosemite National Park in railing against Republicans he maintained are driving the government closer to a shutdown.

“This weekend, Yosemite might turn into ‘NOsemite’, as our national treasures would close their gates and send American families away,” said Rep. Markey. “House Republicans are telling the American families who would like to walk in one of our national parks this weekend to ‘take a hike.’ These forced closures could devastate the already fragile local economies of small communities which depend on national parks for tourism dollars.

“For House Republicans, the Tea Party is more important than the Tetons,” said Mr. Markey.

President Obama and Democrats have proposed significant and responsible budget cuts in an effort to meet House Republicans more than half way, the congressman's staff maintained.

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Comments

Submitted by admin on April 6, 2011 - 1:36pm.

" These forced closures could devastate the already fragile local economies of small communities which depend on national parks for tourism dollars."

Since when did the NPS care about that? Remember the parks are here for future generations and I am sure they will open up for them whenever that is.


Submitted by admin on April 6, 2011 - 1:48pm.

[color=black][color=#800080]http://ponderingpenguin.blogspot.com/2011/04/rep-markey-blames-gop-for-s...


Submitted by admin on April 6, 2011 - 3:47pm.

Of course they are using the National Parks as examples.  They are one of the few non-essential government 'services' that people would miss.


Submitted by admin on April 6, 2011 - 5:40pm.

Although I would hate to see them close, if it's necessary to help balance the budget, go for it.  Even if the gates are closed, the trails should still be accessible and may actually be better since the government is not involved.


Submitted by urbanmountainman on April 6, 2011 - 5:52pm.

...and how would the Parks be better if the NPS wasn't involved? 


Submitted by rdm24 on April 6, 2011 - 6:35pm.

You assume that park closure goes along with park maintenance.
Park closure means serious deterioration of facilities, poaching, vandalism, and lots of other unsupervised activities by people undaunted (even encouraged by) a "No Tresspassing" sign.

The parks they close today are sure to be in better shape than the parks they reopen tomorrow.


Submitted by rdm24 on April 6, 2011 - 6:41pm.

And maybe kids will teach themselves if we close the schools.


Submitted by admin on April 6, 2011 - 8:56pm.

Did you know that after the last closure ALL the NPS employees got back pay and will again if the park closes?

So why dont they work and keep the park open, they will get paid anyway....


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