DENVER (AP) — Amid the ongoing government shutdown, nonprofits are stepping up to keep national parks open across the United States, preserving vital cultural heritage sites and preventing potential vandalism. In Mississippi, the Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park are funding operations with a daily contribution of $2,000, ensuring visitors can explore the historic Civil War battleground once again.
Executive Director Bess Averett emphasized the importance of safeguarding the park, home to over 18,000 veteran graves, stressing vulnerability in staff-less periods. Similar commitments from various nonprofits and local governments nationwide underscore a shared dedication to maintaining access to these national treasures.
West Virginia has joined the effort, with Governor Patrick Morrisey facilitating a donation agreement to reopen visitor centers at two key national parks. Organizations are also serving critical roles in support; for instance, Pacific Historic Parks in Hawaii stepped up to keep Pearl Harbor National Memorial operational, engaging in fundraising efforts to cover estimated daily costs of $9,000.
In Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park is experiencing traffic from visitors despite a lack of official staffing, as the Rocky Mountain Conservancy has mobilized its own team to assist at a nearby open visitor center. This collaborative approach exemplifies the community's commitment to preserving national parks amidst government challenges. In previous shutdowns, damage to national parks raised concerns, leading numerous states to fund operations proactively to prevent similar scenarios.
While many parks remain accessible without full services, nonprofit-backed initiatives show promising resilience to safeguard the nation's history and culture.
