At 14 days in length as of today, the current partial government shutdown is starting to affect more and more Americans. So far, it ranks as the second-longest shutdown in more than 20 years, topped only by a 16-day closure that began in September 2013. One of the most visible affects are on the Nation’s National Parks, especially our own Joshua Tree National Park.
With only skeleton crews on duty, here is the current status of the Park for this weekend as per park officials:
· All campgrounds are currently closed. A buildup of human waste as well as excessive out of bounds camping and overcrowded sites necessitated the closure.
· The park is open and will remain open until resource damage or health and safety concerns force an administrative closure.
· All park visitor centers are closed and will remain closed
· Back-country camping is open and free to the public.
· A limited number of law enforcement staff have been exempted and are currently on duty in the park to provide for visitor safety and resource protection.
· Additional closures include: Rattlesnake Canyon; Lost Horse Mine Road; and Keys View Road. The closures may be lifted if conditions change and allow for a reopening.
