Government shut down would hurt Mammoth Cave National Park

By GAGE WILSON
Glasgow News 1

The threat of a federal government shutdown suddenly lifted late Saturday as President Joe Biden signed a temporary funding bill to keep agencies open with little time to spare after Congress rushed to approve the bipartisan deal. While this is good news for those that work for the National Park Service (NPS), the bill only extends to Nov. 17, meaning the crisis is postponed rather than resolved.

“We remain hopeful that a lapse in government funding will not occur,” said Molly Schroer, the Management Analyst for Mammoth Cave. “Because we are reviewing the NPS contingency plan and working to determine specifics at Mammoth Cave National Park I don’t have additional specifics to share at this time.”
The contingency plan Schroer was speaking of is a plan put forth by the Department of Interior, which outlines different scenarios and offers a plan that would, ideally, minimize the damage done to the NPS and other federal bodies.
In general, NPS sites will be closed during the period of a lapse in funding. This means that the majority of National Park sites will be closed completely to public access. Mammoth Cave, given its size, will not be able to close access completely, but those visiting should be aware of significantly reduced visitor services, this does include emergency services in the park area.

Accordingly, the public will be encouraged not to visit National Park sites during this period. Visitors may use Recreation.gov for more information on reservation policies, including cancellation procedures. If accessible areas cannot be protected with basic visitor services provided, the NPS may restrict access to these areas.

Procedures leading to an orderly shutdown and exceptions needed to comply with the NPS Organic Act, as well as public safety, are detailed below, along with other operational guidance.
Adjustments to this plan may be made by the Director if any lapse continues for an extended period.

On Nov. 17, the NPS may begin notification to the public regarding expected impacts. To allow for orderly closures, routine visitor services may continue to be provided through the use of available non-lapsing appropriations under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) for a 24-hour period.

While Mammoth Cave officials were unable to comment on the exact number of furloughed employees, should a lapse occur, the DOI projects that in the event of a “short-term” lapse, almost 20,000 employees would be impacted. Only 2,700 employees nation wide would be available for the protection of life and property.