Including the two near Moab, Arches and Canyonlands
The federal government is nearing a shutdown as lawmakers in Congress have yet to reach a deal: according to NPR, “funding runs out at the end of the day on Sept. 30. With a deal nowhere in sight, federal agencies are bracing to place hundreds of thousands of workers on unpaid furlough until funding is restored.”
Typically, a government shutdown would also close the National Parks. But in a statement released today by the Utah Office of Tourism, the office claimed the five National Parks in Utah—Zion, Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef—will remain open during the shutdown. While a government shutdown doesn’t mean all national parks across the country would close their gates, it would mean that staff at those parks aren’t paid—and thus operations like visitors centers and trash pickup would cease.
“The Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity has encumbered $5 million to ensure the state’s Mighty Five® National Parks remain open, despite the government shutdown,” the statement read.
Those funds will cover all basic operating expenses, including keeping visitor centers open, permitting, and bathroom cleanup.
“Discussions are also underway with the Department of Interior to ensure plans are in place for shuttle operations in Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks,” according to the statement.
Utah is among the top three states for jobs supported by national park economic output with 23,000 employees.
