You are here

Home » National Park Service Retirees Call For Closing Of National Park Facilities

National Park Service Retirees Call For Closing Of National Park Facilities

Share

Published Date

March 16, 2020

National park facilities that bring park staff and visitors in close proximity should be closed, the Coalition to Protect America's National Parks said Monday.

The organization, which represents Park Service retirees, made the call in response to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance calling for a nationwide halt to gatherings of 50 people or more. In addition, Americans are being asked to practice social distancing and refrain from unnecessary social interaction. 

However, most units of the National Park System remain open and should not be operating under a “business as usual” mentality, said Phil Francis, chair of Coalition.

“National parks welcome visitors from around the world. Many National Park Service employees interact with members of the public daily. These employees should not be exempt from recommendations made by the CDC," Francis said. "Further, to suggest to the public that gathering at national park sites is acceptable when gathering at restaurants, theaters, libraries, and other public spaces is no longer safe is irresponsible to the visiting public and employees."

The National Park Service should close all facilities that require employees and/or members of the public to be in close proximity in confined spaces. In addition, park superintendents should be authorized to close any other facilities, such as restrooms, that they don’t have the ability to sanitize properly. 

NPS employees that are not essential to ensuring the safety of resources or visitors should practice social distancing and stay home wherever possible. 

We fully recognize that calling for a nationwide closure of national park sites is unusual. We also recognize the tremendous disruption such an action will cause to NPS partners, concessioners and the public. But these are unprecedented times that call for unprecedented measures. -- Coalition to Protect America's National Parks

"Decisions made about the health and safety of our federal workforce should not be political in nature," added Francis. "They should be made in the best interest of the health and well-being of our nation, particularly the most vulnerable. We must take care of our federal employees and their families.” 

Story Categories:

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.

Comments

Submitted by DP on March 16, 2020 - 9:25pm.

just keep the back country open, plenty of "social distance"


Submitted by Liz McDaniel on March 17, 2020 - 12:20am.

I agree!! I work at Waco Mammoth National Monument and we are still giving tours daily!! We are at risk of being exposed to the virus daily!


Submitted by Rick B. on March 17, 2020 - 2:25am.

No matter what you do, close the parks, keep  them open just so you can say you "kept them open" or sometthing like that, you will still need Law Enforcement Rangers on patrol, dispatchers, park medics, etc. . I'm at North Cascades - there are quite a few parks, and not just our fellow mountainous parks, who have to respond to SAR's when adult visitors in need of adult guidance do what they do every year. Sure enough at least one yahoo will have to be rescued because "it ain't my fault - they told us to maintain our social distance so I figured [Denali/Death Valley/Everglades insert your own foolishness here] would keep me at a safe distance."


Submitted by Kodiak on March 17, 2020 - 6:32am.

If they close they will be vandalised, this issue is not for lack of funding as in the past. People are going to get crazy and desparate over time. Keep them open and protect the parks...


Submitted by Kodiak on March 17, 2020 - 6:47am.

Been round quite a while, if you are working, be safe, work and earn as long as you can. this is not going to be over in 2 weeks or a month. Jobs will be lost, not everyone will be called back right away, recovery from this will take a while. Bills do not go away! Watch what you ask for...


Submitted by Marguerite Guidry on April 14, 2020 - 12:54pm.

Thank you to NP employees

 


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

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.