Some national parks have remained open even during the partial shutdown of the federal government.
However, that has caused some problems at parks, including overflowing trash and waste and even some vandalism, published reports indicate. At Joshua Tree National Park in southeastern California, guests chopped down trees.
Even if national parks remain open during a shutdown, that should never serve as an excuse to vandalize our national treasurers.
But, there is one idea no one seems to be discussing. That is giving states a more significant role in maintaining and operating national parks.
To be sure, it might be impossible politically to transfer responsibility of national parks to the states. But, doing so would guarantee some level of consistent operations amid a government shutdown.
The current partial shutdown is the longest in history.