The worse part about the shutdown at Grand Canyon and all the 400 other National Park sites is that 100s of 1000s of visitors from around the world have been shut out and local communities are losing revenue every day.
According to a Bill Moyers article, “This week’s government shutdown has consequences for all of us, costing an estimated $300 million each day that the government is closed for business.”
Grand Canyon is working with visitors that had permits to launch onto the Colorado River adding more launch dates next year to accommodate. And there’s talk of rearranging permit dates for hikers as well.
I’ve worked for the Federal government 21 summer seasons experiencing that a lot of top officials don’t work on Fridays, and most have weekends off as well. However this does not stop the smooth functioning of the parks and monuments I’ve worked at because of amazing staff working on the ground, doing their jobs and doing them well (for the most part). A high percentage of National Park Rangers are seasonal (couldn’t get that number as all Gov sites are closed), working only six months at a given park. Very often summer months. Some move on to other parks of which there are less choices for winter work. Many search for some kind of job to get by. A few even donate their time as volunteers in parks. And some have to resort to collecting unemployment while searching for a job.
Please remember, the National Park Service is merely a pawn of this government shutdown. The few Rangers still working to secure the closure of parks are not your enemy. There are serious concerns for safety if people go past the closures. We would all rather be working with you and helping you enjoy these amazing places. Give the Rangers a break. Instead contact your government representatives and tell them to get to work and open the government for business.
If you’re wondering why National Parks have to be closed I highly recommend this article by the National Park Conservation Association.
The bottom line, I’m out of a job and leaving the North Rim of Grand Canyon Wednesday morning. First stop Flagstaff and then on to my winter home in Yarnell. I truly hope that Congress can get their act together soon. But my season would have been over October 15th, and it’s time for me to go home.
I look forward to returning to the canyon next spring and hope you will get a chance to come see this amazing place.
This continues to be a sad situation. So many people effected and loosing money. But I’m looking forward as much as you are to your return next year. In the mean time you should catch up on all your blogging so that when the season starts again you can start off fresh
Yea, maybe I’ll get done posting about the last trip to SA before I return. 🙂
Well it is just a darn shame is all I can say. I am ashamed that our Oklahoma idiots are leaders in the idiocy.
Please vote differently next election.
Gaelyn, this is so sad and so unnecessary! How I wish we could visit this grief on the Congress themselves for causing it! It is costing them nothing! I wish I could say it will cost them their jobs but I have a feeling they will all be re-elected again!
It is up to us to remember and remind others when election time comes.
Gaelyn – Have been following your blog for several years. This situation is really distressing as I am as much of an outdoor enthusiast as you. Thought you would interested to know that on the front page of the Seattle Times today there is a picture of a volunteer delivering a food donation – “one of hundreds of boxes delivered to Grand Canyon Nation Park to help furloughed workers.” Sad and heartening at the same time. Sad that federal employees are being forced to rely on the generosity of others to meet their basic needs. Heartening in that not only is help being offered but that word of the impact and plight of furloughed federal employees is reaching all corners of the country.
I read where several organizations were sending food to Grand Canyon furloughs. It is with mixed feelings about the sad need and the positive support. Too bad none of it was destined for the North Rim.
Thanks for sharing and caring.
I’m glad you got to stay as long as you did. I am just furious at these folks holding the government hostage for budget cuts. Look at the money the government is losing due to their foolishness. But like you, I fear that the public has a short memory and each side will spend a lot of money proving that they weren’t at fault for this idiocy. I love your line “Give the Rangers a break. Instead contact your government representatives and tell them to get to work and open the government for business.” Exactly right and with a link to make it easy. I’ve sure been contacting mine but I wonder how much of my anger gets communicated to them. Pretty sure those who answer their phones are just tallying up the numbers. If Federal employees are going to get back pay, which they should, then why don’t we have them go back to work?
I’d much rather be paid to do my job than not work. Too bad Congress doesn’t have that kind of work ethic. I too call and email never knowing if I’m being heard but feeling better about giving my opinion. That’s still a freedom I own. Thank you for the support.
It’s shameful. I wish you safe trip back to Yarnell.
Thanks Barb. May snow tonight in Flagstaff.
You guys are pawns in this stupid “battle” of wills. Every day there is another article published regarding park shutdowns and the impact on the locals and visitors. From the Grand Canyon to the Pacific Crest Trail hikers to Skyline Drive in Virginia to the boaters at Lake Mead and the Keys – all are being locked out during some of the peak usage times. I hope the permit holders can be accommodated next year. Have a safe trip home!
This pawn had to move off the checkerboard.
I am so frustrated. I am frustrated that the public (at least in Illinois) really just doesn’t give a damn. I am frustrated now that it seems that they numbers are there to make the vote – but the vote isn’t being called.
I think more about upcoming elections and how people will just go back to the same old. We need to wipe these people clean and start again.
As for the Affordable Care Act… Coming from a profession (architecture) where health care isn’t always found, I went to the Marketplace to see what the price tag would be. It certainly wasn’t as good as a plan you would find at a larger job…but, it also probably wouldn’t bankrupt someone that has an existing condition. I thought the numbers put in front of me were very reasonable. In urban IL, for me and my husband based upon our current income, it would be about $4000/yr in premiums…30% participant/70% plan…$12,800 out of pocket maximum for the year…this was the “silver plan”. Again, for someone with cancer…this is a good option…if someone with cancer before wanted to get a private plan, their premium would have been $4000/month.
Anyhow…hoping we get some movement by the end of the week. Take some beautiful pictures of the canyon before you go…hopefully it will never be this quiet again.
I’m going to look into the Affordable Health Care and hopefully get a better deal than I’m currently paying. That quote sounds pretty good for two of you.
It is up to us to remember and remind others during the next election.
Gaelyn, I’m sorry that OUR representatives are being so IRRESPONSIBLE! Hope you have a safe trip home and I look forward to hearing about your thrift shop adventures! 🙂
Cheryl Ann
What a situation. Never thought this would happen. And what have they really got against affordable health care?
I wish I could understand it all but I am as baffled as may are.
It’s not about gop or dems it is about childish actions and bull headedness by ……..well I cannot continue. It’s just too damn bad. MB
Yes, very childish and we are the babysitters with no say.