The United States government “shut down” at 12:01 AM this morning.
The temporary absence of funding for entities run by the federal government — including parks run by the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) — will shut those entities down until funding resumes.
We spoke with our friend, Deputy Public Affairs Officer with the US Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District Lisa Parker, about the shutdown. She feels our pain. In her words, “Unfortunately, circumstances force us to close day-use areas and campgrounds until the shutdown is lifted. We look forward to opening again, as soon as possible.”
Here is additional information from a press release sent this morning to lakelanier.com:
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Mobile District is preparing for the closure of USACE-operated campgrounds and day-use parks today, Tuesday, October 1, because of the shutdown of the federal government for lack of fiscal 2014 funding legislation.
Affected recreation areas would not reopen until after the shutdown is lifted.
“USACE understands the impacts that these actions will have on the American recreating public if we are required to close our recreation areas,” said Lisa Parker, Deputy Public Affairs Officer, Mobile District. “We know that this is a time of year when many vacationing families are using or planning to use USACE recreation facilities, and we will reopen them for public use and enjoyment as quickly as possible once the government shutdown is lifted.”
Campers who are on site will be required to vacate campgrounds not later than 3 p.m. on Oct. 2. These campers may elect to leave their campsite reservations open for possible use after the shutdown is lifted. Campers will receive a refund for any unused portion of their reservations.
Customers scheduled to arrive after Oct. 1, may cancel their reservations for a full refund. These customers may also elect to leave reservations open for possible use after the shutdown is lifted and request a refund for any unused portion of their reservation due to the shutdown. To request a refund please contact the reservation customer service at 1-888-448-1474 (TDD 1-877-833-6777). The reservation service will automatically cancel reservations after a customer’s scheduled departure date during the shutdown period if the park is closed and the customer chooses to do nothing.
The Department of Interior has a Frequently Asked Questions document about the shutdown online.
You may Click Here to read it.
The Biggies
- All national parks will be closed and secured.
- Guests staying in hotels and campgrounds will be notified of the closure and given 48 hours to make alternate arrangements and leave the park.
- Permits for special events will be rescinded.
Details from the Department of Interior Contingency Plan One Pager Summary
As stated in its original authorizing legislation, the National Park Service mission is to “preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.”
The National Park Service manages over 84 million acres in all 50 States and Territories in 401 park units that preserve, protect, and share the history of this land and its people. Nearly 287 million people visited the national parks in 2012 and NPS works to provide visitor services in partnership with over 250,000 volunteers.
Services and programs that will remain operational:
- Law enforcement including the U.S. Park Police and emergency and disaster assistance.
- Firefighting and monitoring.
- Border and coastal protection and surveillance.
- Limited management of ongoing projects that are funded from non-lapsing appropriations.
- Access to through roads.
Services and programs that will be ceased:
- All national parks will be closed and secured.
- Visitor centers and other facilities will be closed.
- Education programs and special events will be canceled.
- Permits for special events will be rescinded.
- Guests staying in hotels and campgrounds will be notified of the closure and given 48 hours to make alternate arrangements and leave the park.
