California’s Joshua Tree National Park is the latest casualty arising from the government shutdown.
The park will officially shut down for a short period ‘to allow park staff to address sanitation, safety, and resource protection issues.’
Like other national parks, it has been understaffed and already closed down campgrounds due to health concerns because of overflowing pit toilets.
The park had been displaying signs advising visitors to ‘pack out your trash. There are no trash services at this time.’
Park management said they were exploring ways to secure ‘additional staff and resources’ and use entrance fee revenues to improve sanitation and safety.
Park officials said limited facilities could be restored ‘in the coming days.’
Yosemite National Park has also been feeling the effects of the shutdown, with campgrounds closed because of ‘human waste issues and lack of staffing.’
