Citing lost jobs, hiker safety, and untended trails, two groups with close ties to the out-of-doors are calling on Congress to quickly end the partial government shutdown that has shuttered national parks and some other public lands.

Late September marked the tenth year that the Yosemite Climbing Association has spearheaded a major volunteer effort at Yosemite National Park known as Yosemite Facelift. The 2013 version of the event ran from September 24-29, and over 1,200 volunteers once again made a huge positive impact on the park and its resources

Around the country, as the partial government shutdown moves into its second week, taxpayers angry with the closure of national parks are showing their disgust through civil disobedience, mockery, and anger directed at the National Park Service.

As the government shutdown drags into its second week, there are increasing risks of vandalism in the National Park System and possibly even poaching, according to past National Park Service personnel.