Government Shutdown 2023 Update: Clever Ways National Parks Stay Open

Colorado Governor Jared Polis has vowed to keep national parks open during the looming government shutdown. Polis signed an executive order directing the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and Colorado Parks and Wildlife to come up with a plan to keep the parks open. This follows similar efforts in Utah and Arizona to keep national parks running amid a likely government shutdown. The closure of national parks and federal lands would have a significant negative impact on state and local economies, small businesses, and park employees.

Estes Park, a mountain town near Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park, is currently experiencing the vibrant colors of peak fall foliage. This natural spectacle attracts tourists to the area, where they can witness the majestic elk bugling as part of their annual mating ritual. This event, known as "Elktober," is a major draw for visitors. Meanwhile, in southern Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park is preparing for the "ring of fire eclipse" on October 14. This rare celestial event passing through the park is expected to captivate tourists, who will have the opportunity to view it amidst the Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings.

However, the looming threat of a government shutdown in 2023 poses a significant risk to Colorado's tourism economy. Recognizing this, Governor Jared Polis has pledged to keep the national parks open in the event of a shutdown. He joins the ranks of leaders in Utah and Arizona who have also devised creative solutions to ensure park access during potential government closures.

In Colorado, Governor Polis has signed an executive order directing the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a plan to keep the state's parks operational. In neighboring Utah, Governor Spencer Cox and the Utah Office of Tourism have allocated $5 million in funds to keep Utah's Mighty 5 national parks open. These funds will be distributed to foundations affiliated with the parks to support essential operations such as staffing visitor centers, maintaining cleanliness, and potentially sustaining shuttle services in parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon. Similarly, in Arizona, Governor Katie Hobbs has announced that Arizona Lottery dollars will be used to keep the state's parks running, including the iconic Grand Canyon.

The decision to keep these parks open is driven by economic considerations. According to a 2022 National Park Service Visitor Spending Effects Report, visitor spending in Utah's national parks alone contributes $2.6 billion to the state's economy. It is evident that the well-being of visitors, the communities reliant on tourism, and the preservation of these natural wonders are top priorities for the respective state governments.

However, the fate of the parks ultimately rests in the hands of Congress. If lawmakers fail to pass annual spending bills that fund government agencies like the Department of the Interior, a government shutdown will be triggered. The deadline for reaching a deal is October 1, and if no agreement is reached, the Department of the Interior has already announced that National Park Sites across the country will be closed. This means locked gates, shuttered visitor centers, and furloughed park rangers.

The closure of national parks and other federal lands would have a detrimental impact on state and local economies, small businesses, and park employees, as emphasized by Governor Polis. Rocky Mountain National Park, for instance, is the fourth most visited national park in the country, attracting approximately 4.3 million visitors annually. Colorado's national parks as a whole, including Great Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison, generate $695 million in tourism revenue each year.

Governor Polis recognizes the significance of these natural treasures in Colorado's economy and way of life. He expresses pride in the state's world-class outdoor attractions and emphasizes the importance of preserving them for future generations to enjoy.