As the government shutdown continues many government services and agencies are suffering the negative consequences of having to stay closed or proceed without funds to support workers. As allocations of government funding proceeds to be an issue causing the government shutdown the citizens and lands of America receive the worst of it all. Specifically our public lands are undergoing detrimental damage that may be irreversible.
The US National Parks are under staffed and ranger programs have been closedacross the nation. Not only are these employees losing income to sustain themselves, the national parks are losing invaluable funds that they would usually make off of park visitors. People are liberally going into national parks taking ill advantage of the current situation and the national parks are greatly suffering. National parks are beginning to overflow with waste including human waste, food, and plastics. The consequences are unquestionably harmful but the extent is unknown.
These delicate ecosystems are in serious distress and those who care for these parks have uncharted work ahead of them. Instead of taking advantage of not having to put money towards the maintenance of these parks, individuals should stay out of the parks until those who care for these parks can return to its protection. Inform others of the true harms humans are having and advocate for the importance of protecting both the national parks and its workers.
Written by Anamaria Flores, Class of 2021