DENVER — Following the federal government shutdown that shuttered National Parks, Monuments, and other public spaces, the Center for Western Priorities released the following statement from Trevor Kincaid. According to the National Park Conservation Association, $30 million will be lost every day as padlocks remain on the gates to public lands, underscoring their economic value to communities throughout the West.
“The locks on the gates will not only make for bitter memories, but will also mean that local hotels and restaurants will be empty, shops and guide services will lie dormant, and millions of dollars that communities need will be lost. After a decade of inability to find Equal Ground, balance between conservation and industrial drilling, it’s no surprise that Congress failed to achieve the simple task of keeping the lights on and doors open.”
(Photo credit: NPCA, Flickr)