Bear River National Wildlife RefugeBear River National Wildlife Refuge – One of 555 National Wildlife Refuges

Yesterday on the local news I saw that Governor Herbert offered to fund the reopening of Utah’s five National Parks which are Zion, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Arches and Capitol Reef. Local law enforcement would step in to keep our Utah National Parks open.

What do I think about that plan? Hell yeah, open the parks. NOW.

The (Utah) governor’s office says the economic impact of the federal government shutdown on Utah is approximately $100 million because October is a peak tourism month for many national parks in the state.

Another article on the planned opening of Utah National Park as posted on NPR: County In Utah Threatens Takeover Of National Park Areas.

This is stupid. There are approximately 59 National Parks, 103 National Monuments and 555 National Wildlife Refuge’s that are shuttered because of the federal government shutdown. Every community near the Parks, Monuments and Wildlife Refuges is suffering HUGE financial losses because of this shutdown. Tourists that wanted to see our national treasures have been turned away.

Adult Bald Eagle on the Bear RiverAdult Bald Eagle on the Bear River

Our National Parks, Wildlife Refuges and Monuments are being held hostage by a few elected officials and it is past time for that to stop.

Do your jobs. That is about as simple as I can put it.

Mia