Some iconic national parks in California, including Yosemite National Park and Sequoia National Park, have announced they are partially closed or have limited access during the holidays as a result of a lack of maintenance staff during the partial government shutdown.
The freeze in government services has left the National Parks facing issues with overflowing trash bins and even issues with human waste services.
To reduce the burden, Yosemite National Park on Jan. 2 started limiting visitor access to the park at the most popular entry point from the south along Highway 41. Park Rangers will set up a checkpoint along Highway 41 and only allow people who have made reservations for lodging or camping inside the park to proceed.
In addition, the closure of Wawona Campground, Hodgdon Meadow Campground, the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Crane Flat Snow Play Area, Goat Meadow Snow Play Area, as well as all park visitor centers was announced earlier on Dec. 30, 2018, due to “impacts from human waste and public safety concerns.”
“Yosemite National Park is very busy with limited services,” the park’s Facebook account said on Dec. 30. “Unless you already have a reservation and places to stay, if possible, consider planning a day-use-only trip to the park after the holiday week has ended.”
The park also encouraged visitors to use restrooms at the gate communities before entering the park and pack all the trash when leaving.
Adjacent to Yosemite National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are also among those facing challenges from the same issues.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks announced on Jan. 2 that it will be “fully closed” from 6 p.m. local time due to unsafe and unsanitary conditions, and will likely remain closed for the duration of the government shutdown.
“Sequoia National Park will be closed at the Ash Mountain Entrance Station in Three Rivers, California,” a statement on the park’s Facebook account read. “This closure extends through the Foothills, Giant Forest, Lodgepole, through to Lost Grove. The closure includes all concession and park partner operations.”
“Lack of adequate parking has resulted in significant pedestrian use of the Generals Highway, creating risk of pedestrian-vehicle conflicts,” it added.
Park officials said the area has been impacted by littering and excessive trash, which could be harmful to the wildlife. In addition, congestion and icy road conditions rendered the highway unsafe and was causing hours of delay.
“Additional closures include Lost Horse Mine Road due to illegal activity and Rattlesnake Canyon in order to reduce the number of search and rescue events for rangers already spread thin due to the government shutdown. Keys View Road is also closed, effective immediately,” said the park officials.
Friends Read Free