government shutdown impact

[bfox]

This is NOT intended to be a political post. But there is news that Trump is going to be asking congress (and not Mexico) for the initial funding to build his wall. There is also talk that this funding issue might force a gubmint shutdown on April 28th.

Can anyone tell me how the government shutdown of 2013 affected access to GSMNP? I recall rafters trying to launch on the grand canyon on the day of the shutdown being denied access. However, those that launched prior to the shutdown were able to continue the 28 day trip even though it overlapped with the shutdown period. I imagine it would be similar for thru hikers entering GMSNP... if you can get in before the 28th then there wouldnt be a problem, but any date afterward, and there might be rangers blocking entrance.

Hopefully, this doesnt happen and wont be a concern. My start date is going to be sometime in April and I have some wiggle room on the exact date. What day would you want to start at Springer to make sure you are in GSMNP before April 28th?

[Sarcasm the elf]

Here is a link to the lengthy discussion that was held during the 2013 shutdown.

If I recall, national parks were closed and the closure was enforced. Those found already in the parks were generally escorted out without penalty, but that's not a guarantee. Other federal lands such as national forests and wilderness areas were officially closed, but still accessable. I hiked Springer to Hogpen Gap during the 2013 shutdown and the only effect it had was that the bathrooms at one of the tourist stops (Woody Gap?) were closed.

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/show...al-Parks-close

[bfox]

Here is a link to the lengthy discussion that was held during the 2013 shutdown.

If I recall, national parks were closed and the closure was enforced. Those found already in the parks were generally escorted out without penalty, but that's not a guarantee. Other federal lands such as national forests and wilderness areas were officially closed, but still accessable. I hiked Springer to Hogpen Gap during the 2013 shutdown and the only effect it had was that the bathrooms at one of the tourist stops (Woody Gap?) were closed.

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/show...al-Parks-close

Thanks for the link!

[Alligator]

It's a theoretical possibility but we are not going to sit and get into how possible. I'm moving this to Straight Forward. Stick to the logistical issues asked and assume the question is simply if there was a government shutdown on 4/28. Additional political comments will removed from the thread.

[MuddyWaters]

Leave by about april 10 would be my suggestion. Gives a couple days cushion for problems or slow start. Avg takes 16 days, and need to resupply at fontana.

[billreillyjr]

I was on the c&o canal during a government shutdown and they disabled the water pumps

[Engine]

April 28th should find us really close to SNP, which would really stink to have to skip, but I think it's far too early to worry yet. If you leave Springer between the 8th and the 10th, you should be fine.

[pilgrimskywheel]

I left Maine in 2013 (after doing sections missed in 12) and hitched to Front Royal with every intention of Hiking SOBO through Shenandoah. (I aquablazed NOBO that spring) I just happened to hit the gas station right before the northern park gate and happened to see the news on the front page of the local paper. It included the park closing. HUGE BUMMER DUDE! I kept on down to the GSMNP, waited at Standing Bear for the Gov. to reopen - we were blessed with amazing weather for October, and when the Gov. opened back up the Smokies were EMPTY! I had the place pretty much all to myself! It was awesome - and a little weird too.

Word to the wise: If the Gov. shuts down again, wait at a National Park boundary for it to open again. Then run!

[johnnybgood]

A gov't shutdown won't affect the thru-hiker already inside the parks boundary with a permit . I don't recall anyone being escorted from SNP during the 2013 shutdown.

I'm guessing park rangers would hand out permits till the day of the impending gov't closure and would inform hikers of their responsibility in case they needed emergency services.

[4eyedbuzzard]

IIRC, those NPS Rangers who are sworn Federal Law Enforcement Officers (most Rangers aren't) along with Park Police (and virtually all Federal Law Enforcement) are "essential personnel" and will be on duty even if there is a shutdown. Rule of thumb, if they have a badge and gun, or their job is required to maintain public safety or prevent damage to equipment/facilities (think air traffic controllers, boiler operators, etc) they will be at work (without getting their next paychecks). Interpretive Rangers, guides, campground staff, etc., (all non-essential personnel) would be furloughed. Typically, after the shutdown ends, Congress passes a bill paying everybody, whether they were furloughed or not, for their lost pay.

[johnnybgood]

IIRC 4 eyed Buzzard Game Wardens were patrolling the AT and other access points at the park then . The State bluebloods were there to invoke public safety, prevent damage , poachers from pillaging , etc.

[pilgrimskywheel]

A gov't shutdown won't affect the thru-hiker already inside the parks boundary with a permit . I don't recall anyone being escorted from SNP during the 2013 shutdown.

I'm guessing park rangers would hand out permits till the day of the impending gov't closure and would inform hikers of their responsibility in case they needed emergency services.

Pretty sure they swept folks out in 2103. Easy to do. (I arrived immediately following the shutdown, and was present at GSMNP when it opened.) I'd like to know what you are basing this info on please, as I intend to be in the vicinity. Are you just "recalling" what you guess to be true, or do you know this to be true and how?

Full disclosure: I had played with the notion of "stealthing thru" Shenny when I got there and was dissuaded by the gate guards. Local PD, and Rangers who refused to quit their posts. Turns out tickets of a discretionary fine of up to $3000 can still be issued when the Gov. is open, or shut.

[johnnybgood]

Pretty sure they swept folks out in 2103. Easy to do. (I arrived immediately following the shutdown, and was present at GSMNP when it opened.) I'd like to know what you are basing this info on please, as I intend to be in the vicinity. Are you just "recalling" what you guess to be true, or do you know this to be true and how?

Full disclosure: I had played with the notion of "stealthing thru" Shenny when I got there and was dissuaded by the gate guards. Local PD, and Rangers who refused to quit their posts. Turns out tickets of a discretionary fine of up to $3000 can still be issued when the Gov. is open, or shut.

Regarding the opening statement, I was going on information from a SNP Ranger whom I personally know. ~ Now the rest is speculative ."Guessing" implies just that .

[MuddyWaters]

The corridor owned and managed by nps, and the national parks, were closed officially.

[Alligator]

Just a reminder this is Straight Forward and the thread is about GSMNP specifically. Some material regarding SNP has been left because it has the same federal land designation--National Park.

[rafe]

I was on the c&o canal during a government shutdown and they disabled the water pumps

The pump don't work cause the vandals took the handles

[colorado_rob]

Pretty sure they swept folks out in 2103. Easy to do. (I arrived immediately following the shutdown, and was present at GSMNP when it opened.) I'd like to know what you are basing this info on please, as I intend to be in the vicinity. Are you just "recalling" what you guess to be true, or do you know this to be true and how?

Full disclosure: I had played with the notion of "stealthing thru" Shenny when I got there and was dissuaded by the gate guards. Local PD, and Rangers who refused to quit their posts. Turns out tickets of a discretionary fine of up to $3000 can still be issued when the Gov. is open, or shut.

No, actually they didn't "sweep" us out of SNP during the 2013 shutdown. I was there, about 2/3rds of the way through going NOBO when it "shut down". In fact, the two rangers I talked to told me to hike on, the AT does NOT close during such shutdowns. Perhaps other rangers had different ideas, and no idea what would happen in GSMNP, but I was instructed to not worry about it in SNP in 2013 and just hike. I was made aware (of course) that the waysides would be closed and to make sure I had plenty of food, but of course this just applies to SNP. Sure wish GSMNP had waysides....

[billreillyjr]

It was not vandals in this case,it was the government

[The Solemates]

Other national parks were indeed shut down. We had to divert our Grand Canyon trip to havasu. They were arresting people at the gate trying to illegally enter.

[rafe]

It was not vandals in this case,it was the government

LOL, you didn't get the ref. Never mind.