2013 National Parks Close for Government Shutdown

[Dschur]

If the government shuts down will the NP be impacted??? Has anyone heard on NP closures or reductions in things??

[chumley]

I think it is more likely that they will open the village and allow people to access the South Rim viewpoints. That is where the economic activity is based. While I would like to see more done, I think it is likely that Lees Ferry remains closed and hiking below the rim also remains prohibited. This will be about getting tour busses of people through the gates, collecting entrance fees and spending money in the gift shop and general store (and staying in Tusayan hotels and restaurants).
We shall see, but that's

[outdoor_lover]

Well apparently Utah is about to get a Green Light....

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/world/5698 ... k.html.csp

[azbackpackr]

The thing is that people are there, camping in the parking lot at Marble Canyon Lodge, waiting to launch. The rangers are on duty as well as all the rescue personnel. There is no good reason, nor has there been a good reason, to not allow private boaters to launch.

[CannondaleKid]

Well apparently Utah is about to get a Green Light....

YES!
If all goes well we will be in Canyonlands Sunday through Saturday after all!

[azbackpackr]

I think it is more likely that they will open the village and allow people to access the South Rim viewpoints. That is where the economic activity is based. While I would like to see more done, I think it is likely that Lees Ferry remains closed and hiking below the rim also remains prohibited. This will be about getting tour busses of people through the gates, collecting entrance fees and spending money in the gift shop and general store (and staying in Tusayan hotels and restaurants).
We shall see, but that's

Not sure what will happen, but I did see this message on another site, a letter from the superintendent of GC, Dave Uberuaga:

“Today’s announcement by the Department of the Interior states in part “Secretary Jewell will consider agreements with Governors who indicate an interest and ability to fully fund National Park Service personnel to re-open national parks in their states.” Agreements will be considered by the Department of the Interior as they are received.

It is unknown at this juncture whether the state of Arizona will submit a request for an agreement and what that request might include. If and when they do submit a request, the details of an agreement will be worked out with the Department. If an agreement is reached, then a news release will be issued outlining details of the agreement.

Until that time, Grand Canyon National Park and other units will re-open when Congress has passed an appropriations bill fully funding the federal government. The Antideficiency Act prevents any government agency from incurring debt, making obligations or expenditures in excess of an apportionment. I certainly understand your frustration. I know that this situation is difficult for all parties involved and I appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through this difficult time.

Sincerely, Dave Uberuaga Superintendent"

[chumley]

The Antideficiency Act prevents any government agency from incurring debt, making obligations or expenditures in excess of an apportionment.

:roll:

[chumley]

Utah's National Parks will open tomorrow.

Arizona is still negotiating, because we don't want to fund a full opening:

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer is open to paying for a partial reopening of the Grand Canyon National Park but is rejecting the Interior Department's insistence that state money pay for the whole operation to reopen until the federal budget stalemate ends.

http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/national/ ... izona-next

[cactuscat]

The plan is re-open fully, or not at all ...
Will cost approximately $122, 000 per day to do so, and it won't happen unless enough funds are raised to re-open for at least five days.
We are planning for a possible open on Monday, but not holding our breath ...

[azbackpackr]

Info from Grand Canyon from about noon today, Oct 11. Bold type is my emphasis.

Grand Canyon News Release

Release date: Immediate

Contact(s): Kirby-Lynn Shedlowski

Maureen Oltrogge

Phone number(s): (928) 638-7958
(928) 638-7779
Date: October 11, 2013
Grand Canyon National Park Remains Closed for Downstream Colorado River Trips from Lee’s Ferry
Grand Canyon, AZ – Grand Canyon National Park remains closed due to the lapse in federal appropriations. All visitor facilities and recreational opportunities including visitor centers, park hotels, campgrounds, roads, and downstream river launches are closed. The park will remain closed until federal appropriations are made available or an agreement between the Department of the Interior and the State of Arizona is reached.
Downstream Colorado River trips from Lee’s Ferry will remain on hold until the park re-opens.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is allowing upstream travel to the Dam from Lee’s Ferry based on funding received through the State of Utah agreement with the Department of the Interior.
On October 7 Grand Canyon National Park announced its plan to accommodate river permit holders once the government re-opens. Details were sent to each river permit holder outlining the options in the plan and any priority each may have.

-NPS-

Public Affairs Office
Grand Canyon National Park
928-638-7958

[Hippy]

Yeeeehaw!!
http://www.azcentral.com/news/politics/ ... ck_check=1

Buh bye Phoenix I'm going home!!! Gonna snag the first permit tomorrow morning and backpack like a mad man!!

[Hippy]

first permit tomorrow morning and backpack

well...as long as its a FULL opening...cross yer fingers for me!

[azbackpackr]

Yay! I just saw this from someone else:

"I just spoke with a high ranking official at Grand Canyon National Park. He confirmed negotiations are complete and he is 95% certain that they will reopen as soon as tomorrow! Most importantly, LEE'S FERRY AND THE RIVER CORRIDOR IS INCLUDED! They are awaiting the final written order to reopen, but they already making the physical plans to do so now. STAY TUNED!"

Funny, I had a permit to do Grandview Loop, but sent it back a month ago. It would have started today, so I wonder if I would have been able to use it.

Edit, just heard it is finalized, but I also heard it is ONLY FOR ONE WEEK.

[Jim]

Gee, this won't confuse people at all.

[azbackpackr]

Gee, this won't confuse people at all.

You mean, the one week deal? Yeah, you have a point there. I think they are hoping the issues with the govt will be resolved by then. If not, it will be very awkward to have to close it all up again. I wonder if they have thought about that. In Utah, I believe they plan on keeping their parks open for the duration. They have so many big parks, and so many people's livelihoods depend upon those parks being open.

[azbackpackr]

On the other hand, park opening in a couple of hours, I know there are a lot of very excited people out there.

But what's this I hear? Brewer will fund Grand Canyon for a week, but Arizona is the only state to have cut off cash payments to needy families (TANF)? Is this true? And if there is money for Grand Canyon, what is losing out in its place? What about funding for state parks and state roadside rest areas? What about CPS?

[mikehikes]

The latest News Release I saw states that the Park will open for seven days using state of Arizona funds. My first two questions would be:

1) In line with Elizabeth's comments - Where is this state money coming from and wouldn't it serve the state as a whole better to use it for really helping those in need?

2) Will the fee stations re-open as well and will the fees collected go to the federal treasury or to the state of Arizona?

Mike Coltrin
Tucson

[azbackpackr]

The latest News Release I saw states that the Park will open for seven days using state of Arizona funds. My first two questions would be:

1) In line with Elizabeth's comments - Where is this state money coming from and wouldn't it serve the state as a whole better to use it for really helping those in need?

2) Will the fee stations re-open as well and will the fees collected go to the federal treasury or to the state of Arizona?

Mike Coltrin
Tucson

Good point, Mike, about the fees. I hadn't considered that. Just one more thing...

[outdoor_lover]

I wonder if they have thought about that. In Utah, I believe they plan on keeping their parks open for the duration.

Utah is working on keeping them open for the duration...Right now they are approved for 10 days, but are looking to appropriate more funds as needed...

[RedRoxx44]

Great thing about Utah, et al is so much land there that is spectacular is NOT in a national park, therefore drive, hike, do your thing-- ;)

[SAMBA]

Kudos to RR44 for reminding my HAZ peeps that hiking opportunities do exist NORTH of the Grand Canyon. Hell, IMNSHO (In My Not-So Humble Opinion) all of Utah south of I-70 deserves National Park designation. Arizona Trail - Bah, over rated! Arizona Trail on steroids, http://hikearizona.com/gps=9285.