photo by NPS | Neal Lewis
 
 
As the government shutdown continues, Shenandoah National Park remains open to visitors but is operating with a limited number of staff during its busiest time of year. October accounts for roughly 25% of the Park’s 1.7 million annual visitors, so as you are all aware the timing could not be more challenging.
 
With entrance fees not being collected, the Park is likely to lose an estimated $2–3 million in next year’s operating budget — about 10% of its total funding. The Park has been experiencing very high visitation, with crowded trails, full parking lots, and heavy weekend traffic. Despite reduced staffing, Park employees are doing everything possible to ensure visitor safety and a positive experience.
 
The Shenandoah National Park Association (also known as SNPA) is funding the Visitor Centers until Nov 2nd. This makes sense for their mission as retailers in the park visitor centers, and this being a crucial month for revenue.
 
To keep basic services running, the Park is using previous collected fee revenue that was originally earmarked for other projects, such as:
    • Trail restoration and maintenance
    • Overlook clearing
    • Installation of bear boxes
    • Ranger-led education and interpretation programs
    • Visitor center upkeep
As a result, many of these projects could be delayed or postponed indefinitely.
 
The Shenandoah National Park Trust is taking an active role in helping mitigate the financial impact of the shutdown.
 
“Our concern is the long-term impact,” said Jessica Cocciolone, Executive Director of the Shenandoah National Park Trust. Shenandoah’s annual operating budget is approximately $30 million, and a $2–3 million shortfall could amount to nearly a ten percent cut next year — compounded by the fee money they’re spending now just to stay open.”
 
“If maintaining full visitor access remains the top priority, that funding will have to come from somewhere. The worry is that the Park may be forced to scale back the very projects that protect its natural and cultural resources — the work that ensures Shenandoah remains a place of wonder for generations to come,” Cocciolone added.
 
 
We are encouraging visitors to donate their entrance fee — or more — directly to the Trust while the Park is unable to collect fees.
 
These funds will be used to help offset the loss in fee revenue and sustain important visitor programs and resource protection work next year. While these contributions may not offset the full loss, they will help reduce the impact on next year’s budget and sustain the programs that protect Shenandoah’s trails, wildlife, and cultural treasures for future generations.