Government shut down and camping

[TrailManorMan]

representatives and senators get paid, TERM LIMITS

[Kidkraz]

Fourteener,

As Bill said it's not your fault and you should not apologize for doing it. I'm retired military and understand where you're coming from. I appreciate how difficult your profession can be and I thank you for doing it. Because of you and your fellow federal workers I get to enjoy my countries best parks, monuments and people who maintain them. Thank you for doing what you do.

[B_and_D]

Originally Posted by fourteener

Please, feel free to take a moment and put something in writing to your representatives about the way this has affected you. I think it is totally irresponsible the way this has been handled, and I won't make any excuses for either side of the table.

Nice idea, but when I contact my representative they write back and tell me that they know more than I do and that's why they're doing what they do. They don't care what we think. Total arrogance.

I have never once voted for them and they keep getting re-elected.

I'm sorry that you aren't getting paid, hopefully something will change for the better soon.

[scrubjaysnest]

Originally Posted by fourteener

I'm an employee of one of the Federal land management agencies (The NPS - please don't hate me), but take a moment and think of it from our stand point. We don't know when we can go back to work, we don't know when our next paychecks will come in,,,,,I just had to cancel a site-visit that will have a 6-8 month realized delay on the specific park involved. Overall our jobs are very reliable, even in these hard times. I really feel sorry for our seasonal staff that is being let go early due to the unknown. I apologize for everyone that is being affected, but take a moment and think about it as a business that has shut its doors. Lots of people don't understand why some of the Parks can't remain open, and that is because most people don't fully understand the level of vandalism, the number of accidents/rescues/fatalities, or what most of us simply do on a day-to-day basis to fulfill our duties. I would make a bet that the majority of Federal Employees are compassionate, motivated, and somewhat ticked off about this shutdown. We really only want to get back to work to serve you,,,,,the American People. I love this Country, my job, and if we were allowed, I would be working during this shutdown for free.

Please, feel free to take a moment and put something in writing to your representatives about the way this has affected you. I think it is totally irresponsible the way this has been handled, and I won't make any excuses for either side of the table.

Again, I apologize on behalf of all federal employees, and for those of you that have been affected.

Above all, take a lesson from those WW II Vets that broke down the barricade in DC, be stubborn tough Americans, and get out there and enjoy the outdoors.

As others have said this isn't your fault or the fault of other federal workers......it is the fault of the children in the congress and most likely lack of leadership in the white house.


The political side of it is our fault when we let the RNC and DNC take our votes away in 2008 by not pursuing legal action with more vigor.

I started this thread to see how the shut down impacted forum members camping plans and would like to keep it along those lines.

It is a shame the people can't enjoy their National Parks and that Park Rangers have to apologize for the shut down and or work without pay when ALL the blame lies in Washington. I am certain that the shutdown has not impacted the day-to-day privileged lives our politicians enjoy. Hopefully people will not have short term memories this time.

[scrubjaysnest]

All Fl state parks south of I- 4 are booked for the week Thanksgiving.

150 fishing guides had boat protest just outside of Everglades NP waters. The protest is aimed the congress. One guide says he lost $10,000 in guide fees.
Another business just outside the gates claims to be losing $2,500 a day for bus tours of the park that have been canceled.

[scrubjaysnest]

Some states have requested to pay for reopening NP, Utah's are supposed to open tomorrow after the White House said it is ok for those states willing to foot the bill. I think the figure I saw was the park service is losing $475,000 per day from lost entrance fees and camping fees. Nothing about Fl yet but then our governor wanted to shut down Fl state parks awhile back.

I guess that for many in the US population, the "shutdown of parks" issue is not something to think much about, but there are always "collateral damages" caused by any gov action which can put businesses and individuals in jeopardy.

Below is a link to a blog that is written by a business owner/operator whose company owns, operates, and manages various US Park campgrounds and services in the western US. His personal political opinions might reflect that of any Arizona "conservative", but his problems, which are directly caused by the "shutdown" are his actual situation and gives another side to the story.

http://www.coyoteblog.com/coyote_blo.../2013-shutdown

[scrubjaysnest]

Originally Posted by TravlinOn

I guess that for many in the US population, the "shutdown of parks" issue is not something to think much about, but there are always "collateral damages" caused by any gov action which can put businesses and individuals in jeopardy.

Below is a link to a blog that is written by a business owner/operator whose company owns, operates, and manages various US Park campgrounds and services in the western US. His personal political opinions might reflect that of any Arizona "conservative", but his problems, which are directly caused by the "shutdown" are his actual situation and gives another side to the story.

http://www.coyoteblog.com/coyote_blo.../2013-shutdown

An interesting perspective but the writer doesn't have it quite correct. According to the DOI site, the NPS, ACOE, and USFS all receration is prohibited during the government shut down. No camping, no hunting, no hiking, and the list goes on. On the Ocala NF all campgrounds are closed both USFS run and concessionaire run. The concessionaire run boat ramp is closed also. We also found all trail heads with restrooms had the restrooms locked and signs up.

Of course there will be people doing the recreation thing anyways.

As for special use permits the writer is correct; they can be suspended or revoked at any time for what ever reason the USFS decides on.

[LoveToCamp]

Thanks for the link! I have sent emails to my representatives. Washington is being illogical in their choices for shutdowns. But, what else would we expect?