Glacier National Park remains open despite the federal government shutdown, raising concerns about trash accumulation, limited communication, and emergency response constraints. Former Glacier Superintendent Jeff Mow, along with over 40 other former superintendents, recently signed a letter urging the closure of national parks during shutdowns to prevent potential damage.
“Past shutdowns in which gates remained open with limited staff have hurt our parks: Iconic symbols cut down and vandalized, trash piled up, habitats destroyed, and visitor safety jeopardized. If you don’t act now, history is not just doomed to repeat itself, the damage could in fact be much worse,” the letter states.
Despite the shutdown, parks remain accessible, albeit with reduced services, as highlighted on Glacier and Yellowstone’s websites. Visitors are directed to a Department of the Interior webpage for contingency plans that vaguely outline ongoing operations. Mow expressed that limited communication adds to uncertainty for visitors and staff.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road, typically closed by weather in October, is subject to closure by the superintendent. During shutdowns, communication is deprioritized, making it unclear how closures will be communicated. The National Park Service vows to share critical information about park access and safety through social media, but staffing constraints remain.
Currently, a winter storm warning is in effect, with snow expected at higher elevations. Glacier’s communications specialist, among those furloughed, cannot address media inquiries. Questions about the promptness of updates on weather-related road closures remain unanswered.
During a previous shutdown, Mow, then Glacier’s superintendent, noted that park operations were reduced, but the current situation may be more challenging due to significant staffing cuts. Since President Trump’s second term, the Park Service has seen a 35% reduction in workforce, complicating current operations.
An internal memo indicates that 20% of Glacier’s positions are vacant. Mow emphasized that national parks are designed for high visitation, requiring robust staffing for safety and visitor services. Without full staffing, Glacier and other parks face operational challenges during the shutdown.
Yellowstone remains open, with concessionaire-run businesses operating normally. Xanterra, managing Glacier’s facilities, assures visitors that entrances will stay open and services will continue, maintaining communication with guests.
Amid the shutdown, the National Park Service released an economic report showing that Glacier and Yellowstone generated $1.5 billion for local economies in 2024. However, the shutdown threatens the economic benefits, especially as parks like Yellowstone approach peak season.
During previous shutdowns, parks faced issues with garbage and human waste due to reduced staffing. Grand Teton, for instance, ran out of toilet paper within hours. Mow remarked that minimal operations compromise resources and safety, underscoring the need for full staffing to avoid these challenges.
