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The State of Shenandoah National Park

Sandy Hausman

Like other national parks, Shenandoah is working with a reduced staff, people who aren’t getting paid during the federal government shutdown.  That worries fans of the park who report graffiti, overflowing trash and theft of at least one valuable item. 

As often happens when it snows, Skyline Drive is closed and camping is banned in the winter months.  Still, before the latest cold snap people were coming in according to Susan Sherman, executive director of the Shenandoah National Park Trust.

“Folks that just don’t normally visit national parks are coming to national parks, and it’s probably because there’s no entrance fees, the gates are up, and there’s a sense that there’s very light law enforcement.”

In particular, there are reports of graffiti around scenic overlooks and at least one theft.

“The iconic arrowhead that’s a symbol of the National Park Service – one of those was stolen from one of the entrance stations at the park.”

Credit Sandy Hausman
Skyline Drive is closed during the federal government shutdown.

Fortunately, volunteers have been cleaning up trash, and some visitors – like track and field coach Chris Chaplin – leave nothing more than footprints as they hike the Appalachian Trail.

“There’s nobody out there.  No cars.  Just the deer and the antelope playing.” 

Still, Susan Sherman is concerned about the future of the park and hopes the federal shutdown will end soon, so that rangers can resume activities that protect fragile plants, wildlife and water quality. 

Sandy Hausman is Radio IQ's Charlottesville Bureau Chief