SALT LAKE CITY — This weekend’s rainy forecast for southern Utah is sparking concerns among folks helping to keep Zion National Park open and running during the federal government shutdown.

Zion Forever Project is “trying to be resilient and positive and action-oriented to ensure that there isn’t long-lasting damage” from the shutdown, director of development Tiffany Stouffer said Friday.

Ten days into the government shutdown, she said the only departments still operating are search and rescue and law enforcement, and those rangers are working without pay. She’s hopeful visitors interacting with rangers will be patient and kind.

“It’s important to remember that what they’re doing is a service for all of us,” said Stouffer. “They’re stretched pretty thin right now.”

She said the organiz

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