As the federal government shutdown stretches into its third week, Yosemite National Park is experiencing a troubling surge in illegal activities.
Multiple social media reports indicate that visitors have been entering restricted areas of the park without the necessary permits. They’ve set up illegal camps and even attempted some reckless BASE jumping during this time of minimal oversight from the authorities.
Why This Situation Matters
The federal shutdown means significant staffing cutbacks for the National Park Service (NPS), leaving iconic sites like Yosemite with limited capacity to enforce regulations designed to ensure safety and health for its guests.
The reckless actions of some visitors not only put themselves in harm’s way but potentially jeopardize the environmental integrity of the park.
Key Information to Know
Reports from Backpacker magazine have indicated that folks are climbing Half Dome without permits, and unstaffed camping areas have become popular spots for setting up camp. Additionally, the San Francisco Chronicle pointed out that some BASE jumpers are taking advantage of the shutdown to engage in their activity within the park—a stunt nixed by the NPS due to its illegal status in all national parks.
Prior to the shutdown, several nonpartisan park advocacy groups had cautioned against keeping parks open, as doing so could expose them to further damage. While some sites, like the Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo, closed as a precaution, many other federally operated locations remain swamped with reduced staff.
Bill Wade, director of the Association of National Park Rangers, expressed his concerns to Newsweek, remarking, “It seems that those intending to BASE jump are exploiting the diminished NPS presence during the shutdown, which aligns perfectly with our warnings about the repercussions of keeping parks open without adequate staffing. We can only say, ‘We told you so.’”
The NPS, the backbone behind 433 parks and heritage sites across the country, had already reported staffing challenges leading up to record visitor numbers, noting more than 331 million visits last year alone.
Public Reactions
Former park superintendents and members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks recently stated that allowing parks to stay even partially open during a shutdown with minimal staff poses serious risks to both the public and the parks’ natural resources.
House Speaker Mike Johnson commented that without immediate bipartisan cooperation, “We’re barreling toward one of the longest shutdowns in American history with no end in sight unless partisan politics give way to a straightforward budget to reopen government offices and pay federal employees.“
The NPS clarified to Newsweek that BASE jumping remains illegal in all national parks, including Yosemite, due to serious safety hazards for participants and first responders alike.
The Road Ahead
As it stands, the government shutdown shows no signs of resolution, causing uncertainty for parks and their stewards.
