Press Telephone Briefing Today RE: Shutdown of National Parks Nationwide

WHAT: The National Parks Conservation Association will today host a telephone press briefing and Q&A for members of the media to learn more about how the government shutdown will impact our 401 national parks across the country, the livelihood of park businesses and gateway communities, and countless American families and international visitors who rely on national parks being open for business to enjoy our national heritage. Call information below.

WHO: Confirmed speakers for the telephone press briefing include:

• Theresa Pierno, Acting President of the National Parks Conservation Association

• Phil Francis, former National Park Service Superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway

• Christopher Fogg, Executive Director of the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce, near Acadia National Park

• Bill Berg, President of the Greater Gardiner Community Council, near Yellowstone National Park

WHEN: October 1, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. EST

WHERE: Telephone Press Briefing

Conference Line: 1.800.791. 2345

Code: 87456#

Background: The government shutdown has forced the National Park Service to close park entrances, visitor centers, campgrounds, bathrooms, concession stands, and other park facilities. Education programs and special events have been canceled, permits issued for special activities rescinded, hotels and campgrounds emptied and entrances secured. Many national parks have also been forced to close during peak visitation season, including places such as Acadia and the Great Smoky Mountains where people visit to enjoy the fall foliage or Civil War sites that attract school groups. Many people also visit places like the Grand Canyon and Death Valley this time of year to enjoy cooler weather. The loss of more than 750,000 daily visitors from around the world who typically visit national parks in October may cost local communities as much as $30 million each day the national parks are closed.

Click here for an FAQ on how national parks will be impacted.

Click here for our Government Shutdown Press Release.

Listen to our telephone press briefing:

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About National Parks Conservation Association
Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than one million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s natural, historical, and cultural heritage for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.