One Consequence Of The Shutdown? California’s National Parks Being Overrun With Human Feces
Parts of the national parks are being closed because officials are finding human feces and urine all along the roads.
Sacramento Bee:
Poop, Urine Force Yosemite Campground Closures In Shutdown
Mountains of garbage and human waste are challenging efforts to keep U.S. national parks open during a partial shutdown of the federal government, National Parks Traveler reported.In California, Yosemite National Park officials have closed the Wawona and Hodgson Meadows campgrounds, along with the Mariposa Grove of redwoods, after finding human feces and urine beside Wawona Road, the Los Angeles Times reported. (Sweeney, 1/1)
San Francisco Chronicle:
Garbage, Human Waste Take Toll On National Parks Amid Government Shutdown
“It’s a free-for-all,” Dakota Snider, 24, who lives and works in Yosemite Valley, said by telephone Monday, as Yosemite National Park officials announced closings of some minimally supervised campgrounds and public areas within the park that are overwhelmed. “It’s so heartbreaking. There is more trash and human waste and disregard for the rules than I’ve seen in my four years living here,” Snider said. (Knickmeyer and Gecker, 1/1)
Los Angeles Times:
As Government Shutdown Continues, Human Waste On Yosemite's Roadsides Prompt Park Closures
Park officials are urging visitors to use restrooms in nearby communities before they enter the park and to pack out their trash. Yosemite Valley’s lodgings, restaurants, ski area at Badger Pass and the park shuttle remain open. Yosemite isn’t the only park experiencing the problems of waste and trash. (Forgione, 12/31)