Joshua Tree National Park Officials and local volunteers have struggled to provide services to visiting hordes since the government shutdown took affect December 21. Many have devoted hours to help maintain campgrounds and collect trash and litter, but demand has outpaced those efforts. Reporter Mike Lipsitz picks up the story from here…
All campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park are closed as of noon today, January 2. On Monday, park officials announced the action was necessary for health and safety concerns as vault toilets reach capacity. The release from park officials also reports that human waste in public areas, off road driving activity, and other infractions that damage park resources have become problems. Indian Cove and Black Rock campgrounds will be open for day-use only closing at sunset. 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 who are already spread thin in the wake of the shutdown. Superintendent David Smith noted that most visitors are respectful of the park; and he thanked the local businesses, volunteer groups and tribal members that have pitched in.
