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.
A very cold 2012 Christmas morning at Bear River MBR, northern Utah – One of 555 National Wildlife Refuges
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 Refuges 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 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
And to think this “hostage holding” is being perpetuated by the very people we elected to “represent’ us…..people who ARE BEING PAID NOW by us, who will be paid by us FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES, and who will receive healthcare, paid for by us, FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES. Even if defeated in the next election, THEY WILL CONTINUE TO RECEIVE THESE “FREEBIES”, these benefits paid for by us…FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES….yes, EVEN IF VOTED OUT!!! This outrage must stop, too.
Oh, I shouldn’t have said that out loud………..
What next, shooing all the wildlife out?
I love that shot of the eagle. It appears to me to be a male, but that is uncertain, but he seems invincible in this photo against the ruffled water. His claws are dug in. It is a wonderful photograph. Thank you so much for sharing it.
It has struck me that this shutdown is hurting the ‘little people’. The families and small businesses. And the people who started the blackmail and continue to have a tantrum are insulated from the pain.
I hope a solution is found. Quickly.
I agree with Larry Jordan’s comments completely and everyone who expressed their frustration. However, I also agree with David Nimkin, southwest regional director for the National Parks Conservation Association, who said Herbert’s plan is just not realistic (Salt Lake Tribune yesterday). “These are professionals. They have a responsibility both for protecting public safety, for protecting the resources and for providing interpretive services — that’s not something that can be done with any other unsupervised individuals.” Nimkin said he doesn’t want to diminish the “almost tragic situations that folks are in gateway communities are experiencing” but it would be better if the governor would urge the state’s federal delegation to come to a budget agreement quickly.
I totally agree, Mia. Our House of Representatives is filled with so many irresponsible people who are more afraid of losing their jobs than in doing their jobs.
Your photo of the Bald Eagle is absolutely stunning.
I agree with you completely. Something very wrong about bartering with people’s lives. Fantastic shot of that eagle.
I think the overwhelming majority of Americans agree with us Mia. It is ridiculous that a few idiots in the House of Representatives can shut down the entire government, cost us Billions of dollars and, if they are really stupid, within the next week, possibly send us into another recession and lower our credit rating.
I have written a post on this at the Wildlife Conservation Stamp blog with links to several articles that describe the devastating effects of this stupidity.
I agree lets stop this craziness
Amen, sister! They’re like a bunch of squabbling 7th grades. Actually, I know a few 7th graders that are more mature than that! That being said, that’s a beautiful shot of the Eagle!!
I’m with you Mia! Time for this crap to stop!