YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — In the wake of the potential Oct. 1 government shutdown, former national park superintendents are calling on the Trump administration to close national parks — not only for public safety, but for the protection of the parks themselves.

The federal government could shut down beginning at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, if Congress fails to pass a funding bill.

What could that mean for national parks? A scenario similar to the 2018 government shutdown, which lasted 35 days into January 2019. During that shutdown, park gates remained open but with limited staff.

According to the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, vandalism occurred, trash piled up, habitats were destroyed and visitor safety was put at risk during that time.

For Yellowstone National Pa

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