Shutdown would curb but not close all national parks

WASHINGTON – While an uncertain government shutdown loomed Friday, one thing was certain: Some of our national parks will stay open.

The Interior Department said Thursday that itwould allowlimited access to many national parks and other public lands even if Congress’ failure to pass a spending bill triggered a shutdown.

“National parks and other public lands will remain as accessible as possible while still following all applicable laws and procedures,” Interior Department spokeswoman Heather Swift said in a statement.

During the most recent government shutdown, in 2013, the Obama administration closed park entrances and put up barriers around national monuments. The policy sparked outrage when veterans were turned away from the World War II Memorial in Washington. Some states paid to keep their national parks open.

“The American public and especially our veterans who come to our nation’s capital should find war memorials and open- air parks open to the public,” Swift said. “Many of our national parks, refuges and other public lands will still try to allowlimited access wherever possible.

“For example, this means that roads that have already been open should remain open ( think snow removal) and vaulted toilets ( wildernesstype restrooms) should remain open,” Swift said. Services that require staffing and maintenance, such as campgrounds, restrooms and concessions, would close.