You are here

UPDATE | Around The Parks: Coping With Coronavirus, March 25

Published Date

March 25, 2020
Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks closed Wednesday due to the coronavirus pandemic/NPS file

Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks closed Wednesday due to the coronavirus pandemic/NPS file

Editor's note: This updates with closure of Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado and most of Acadia National Park closing to the public on Thursday.

Coronavirus continued its march across the National Park System on Wednesday, leading to the closure of Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Mesa Verde, Valley Forge, and much of Acadia, and greatly reduced operations in other parks.

"Effective at sunset on March 25, Mesa Verde will be closed to all park visitors until further notice. This closure includes the main park road and all loop roads," said Cristy Brown at the park.

Across the country in Maine, Acadia officials announced that as of Thursday the Park Loop Road, including Ocean Drive, and all restrooms, carriage roads, campgrounds, visitor centers, and visitor services would be closed.

"As have many Maine individuals, businesses, and institutions, Acadia is taking prudent action in response to the coronavirus threat," said David MacDonald, president of Friends of Acadia. "The announced closures show that the park's top priority is protecting the safety of the public, its staff, volunteers, partners, and neighbors. We stand ready to assist our partners at the park as needed in the days and weeks ahead."

Earlier Wednesday came word that Sequoia and Kings Canyon were closing. 

"California Highway 180 will remain open for pass-through traffic to access Giant Sequoia National Monument and private property," the two parks said in a release. "All other roads and parking facilities are temporarily closed."

At the National Parks and Conservation Association, Southeast Regional Director David Lamfrom applauded the move Tuesday to close most of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

“Park superintendents have spent their careers working to connect the public to their national parks. As they make the difficult decision to close parks, we understand they are acting on their years of experience and fundamental responsibility to care for the safety of their dedicated staff, local communities, and visitors from around the world," he said.

"We stand with Superintendent (Cassius) Cash, and with all superintendents working around-the-clock to protect the public and our parks in this unprecedented time," Lamfrom continued. "Furthermore, we understand how important national parks and their employees are to America. We urge park visitors to make a plan to explore and enjoy parks like the Great Smokies once it is safe to do so again, and not a moment sooner."

Elsewhere in the park system:

* Cape Lookout National Seashore in North Carolina closed all restrooms, although North Core Banks, South Core Banks, and Shacklebord Banks beaches remained open for camping and day-use for private vessels.

* Moore Creek National Battlefield in North Carolina closed all restrooms, though the visitor center lobby remained open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time.

* At Shiloh National Military Park in Tennessee and Mississippi, restrooms were operating on an every-other-day schedule, but only one restroom would be open at a time.

* Padre Island National Seashore in Texas closed the Malaquite Campground.

* Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument in Texas was providing only resource protection services, and its visitor center was closed.

* Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park in Texas closed after Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño issued a mandatory countywide shelter in place order.

* El Morro National Monument in New Mexico will reduce park operations Thursday to only provide resource protection. The monument's visitor center, campground, all trails, and grounds will be closed.

*  Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Oklahoma closed its campgrounds and the Travertine Nature Center, and suspended on-site public or educational programs.

* Valley Forge National Historical Park in Pennsylvania closed.

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Donate Popup

The National Parks Traveler keeps you informed on how politics impact national parks and protected areas.

Become a sustaining member.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.