What does a govt shutdown mean for access to NF and NP?

[quentinc]

Naturally, I had planned a backpack in Joshua Tree tomorrow. I could care less about the absence of permits (actually, you don't need a permit in JT anyway), rangers, rescuers, amenities, etc., but I am a little bit worried they'll have all the roads barricaded. Nothing like protecting our national lands from our nation. But on the plus side, poor women in need won't be getting any help from Planned Parenthood.

[kpeter]

It seems they have reached a last minute deal on this year's budget. We may see another round of this insanity as they take up next year's budget, though, but it seems as if we have averted a shutdown for now.

[SPeacock]

I've often wondered who voted those knuckleheads in. Apparently they haven't figured out what the people are interested in. Pick any emotionally charged topic and you will find 20% for, 20% against, 60% would rather they work on other important things.

If no 'rangers' watching the store and no barricade, seems like a few would have taken the advantage.

[East Side Hiker]

They cannot keep us out of the mtns.

[texan]

They cannot keep us out of the mtns.

I agree with you. It won't keep me out of the mountains.

Texan

[tim]

Seems like it might be time for a bump to this thread

[mort]

Seems like it might be time for a bump to this thread

I just called the Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center (760) 876-6222, the ranger station just south of Lone Pine. Deborah said she'll be there Tuesday. Now that place is "owned" by the Forest Service but is operated by: Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Inyo County, Mono County, California Department of Transportation, California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Federal agencies.
The conclusion of the thread last time seemed to be that the wilderness doesn't close just because the rangers don't come to work.

-mort

[dave54]

Does a shutdown mean that there will be no one patrolling the backcountry and therefore no need to worry about permits? ...just wondering.

Yep.

LEOs and firefighters are essential, so no furloughs. Backcountry patrols are not essential, so they are furloughed. LEOs will not be patrolling backcountry trails, too many other higher priorities.

Firefighters will be laid off in areas already out of fire season.

The forest itself cannot be closed down except by special order, and the only ones that can sign the order will be furloughed.

There are still some little known federal regulations on the books that guarantee right of access to residents that live inside the NF (like me) even when closed.

[87TT]

I'm going in on Monday one way or another.

[sparky]

A shutdown of national parks only appeals to me even more. An empty backcountry!!

And why in the hell do we keep voting in republicans and democrats? Can we eliminate them already?