Government shutdown hits national parks and refuges in South Florida

South Florida’s national parks have closed up shop amid a federal government shutdown that will furlough more than 60% of National Park Service workers.

While wilderness in the region’s sprawling national parks, refuges and preserve will remain largely accessible, the amenities that make them more hospitable — including rangers, visitor centers and clean bathrooms — will be missing, closed or left uncleaned.

 ”Our parks need rangers. Our parks need scientists. Our parks need fire managers,” said Cara Capp, Greater Everglades Associate Director for the National Parks Conservation Association. “Shutting down the government and taking away our park staff is really not in line with how Americans feel.”

The furloughs also risk becoming permanent layoffs after the U.S. Office of Budget and Ma