National Parks Chaos: Shutdown Sparks Monument Desecration & Bear Jams

As the government shutdown continues to drag on, the impact on our national parks has been nothing short of chaotic. Despite the warnings of advocacy groups, the Trump administration allowed many parks to be at least partially open with few staff and services. This has led to a slew of issues, from monument desecration to dangerous “bear jams” on park roads.

Monument Desecration

One of the most alarming consequences of the government shutdown has been the rise in monument desecration in our national parks. With limited staff on duty, there have been reports of visitors defacing monuments, spray-painting rocks, and even toppling ancient structures. The lack of enforcement has emboldened vandals to take advantage of the situation, leaving behind a trail of destruction in their wake.

Advocacy groups had warned that keeping the parks open without adequate staffing would lead to these types of incidents, but their concerns fell on deaf ears. Now, as the shutdown drags on, the damage to our national treasures continues to mount, with no end in sight.

Bear Jams

Another troubling development in the national parks during the shutdown has been the increase in “bear jams.” These occur when visitors stop their cars in the middle of the road to get a closer look at bears and other wildlife, creating dangerous traffic backups and putting both themselves and the animals at risk.

With limited park rangers available to manage traffic and educate visitors on proper wildlife viewing etiquette, these bear jams have become a common occurrence in parks across the country. The lack of enforcement has emboldened some visitors to engage in risky behavior, such as approaching bears for selfies or trying to feed them, further endangering both the animals and themselves.

Impacts on Park Resources

In addition to the immediate threats posed by monument desecration and bear jams, the government shutdown is also having long-term impacts on our national park resources. With no staff on hand to maintain facilities, clean up litter, or enforce park rules, the parks are quickly deteriorating.

Trash is piling up, restrooms are overflowing, and delicate ecosystems are being trampled by unattended visitors. Without the necessary resources and personnel, the parks are unable to fulfill their mission of preserving our natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

Call to Action

It is clear that the current situation in our national parks is unsustainable. The Trump administration must take immediate action to fully reopen the parks with the necessary staffing and resources to protect and preserve these valuable assets. Advocacy groups are calling on Congress to pass a budget that includes funding for the parks, ensuring that they are able to continue their vital work without interruption.

As visitors to these parks, we also have a responsibility to do our part. It is essential that we respect the rules and regulations in place to protect these fragile environments and the wildlife that call them home. By working together, we can ensure that our national parks remain safe and accessible for all to enjoy.

It is time to put an end to the chaos in our national parks and work towards a sustainable future for these treasured landscapes. The time to act is now.