The federal government shutdown has forced the U.S. Park Service to close the country’s national park system, affecting 401 areas covering 84 million acres. Rangers closed many roads and advised most overnight campers that they have 48 hours to leave. Here are reports from parks around the country, and from the towns and businesses that rely on the tourists they draw.
At Yellowstone, the country’s first national park, all entrances were closed Tuesday morning and day visitors were directed to find the nearest exit, a park spokesman said. Those staying in the park’s hotels and campsites had 48 hours to find other lodging — and enjoy the grounds unencumbered by crowds.At Pahaska Tepee Resort, just outside Yellowstone’s east entrance, some guests were cutting their trips short, said manager Angela Coe, who on Tuesday checked out tourists from China, Thailand and France.
Not only does this hurt the rangers and people who work at the parks because they are furloughed it hurts the communities that rely on the business drawn from people visiting national parks (hotels, food, gas, etc)
