The Trump administration’s decision to keep national parks “partially open” with minimal staffing during the federal shutdown has sparked serious concerns about visitor safety and potential damage to natural resources. About 64% of National Park Service staff—roughly 9,296 employees—have been furloughed as the government shutdown begins. Only “excepted” workers handling law enforcement, emergency response, and critical safety functions remain on duty, creating what officials call “skeleton crews” at parks nationwide. This approach mirrors the strategy used during the 2018-2019 shutdown, when similar staffing cuts led to documented vandalism and resource damage. During that 35-day closure, vandals cut down century-old Joshua … Continue reading National Park Shutdown: 64% Staff Cut, ‘Irreparable Harm’ Feared as Minimal Staffing Risks Vandalism and Visitor Safety