A former superintendent at Grand Canyon National Park warned Monday that if the park stays open during a government shutdown, understaffing could put “nationally important, irreplaceable resources” at risk.

Robert Arnberger is one of 40 former national park superintendents who have urged Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to close national parks rather than keep them open with skeletal staffing.

“When you don’t have the staff on the ground, you cannot protect visitors, you cannot protect the resources, and you cannot protect the employees who are still required to work,” Arnberger, a Tucson resident, said by phone.

The Park Service has lost a quarter of its personnel since President Donald Trump returned to office in January, according to the National Parks Conservation Association.

The sh

See Full Page