Nonprofits Step Up to Keep National Parks Open Amid Government Shutdown

Sat Oct 11 2025 10:39:54 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

During an ongoing government shutdown, organizations across the United States are financing limited operations to keep national parks like Vicksburg National Military Park open to visitors. This initiative aims to protect these vital cultural and historical sites from potential vandalism and decline.

As the government shutdown continues, various nonprofit organizations are stepping in to fund essential services at national parks. One such group, the Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park, has committed to paying $2,000 daily to maintain operations at the historic battlefield. Other parks are experiencing similar support, highlighting the community's commitment to preserving these national treasures.

Amid the ongoing government shutdown, nonprofit organizations across the United States are taking proactive measures to support the operations of national parks, ensuring these cultural and historical sites remain accessible to the public. The Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park has stepped forward with a commitment to fund a daily budget of $2,000 to maintain operations at one of the nation’s most significant Civil War landmarks.

Vicksburg National Military Park, remaining open thanks to this financial support, serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made in American history, housing over 18,000 graves of veterans from various conflicts. Bess Averett, the park's executive director, emphasized the importance of protection against vandalism and relic hunting during periods of reduced staffing.

State governments and other organizations are also contributing. For example, West Virginia's governor signed agreements to reopen visitor centers at the state's national parks. While many parks operate with limited services, the U.S. Interior Department has set forth contingency plans allowing for basic operations to continue, utilizing already collected recreation fees to provide for essential services such as trash collection and restroom maintenance.

In addition to Vicksburg, the Pacific Historic Parks raised funds to reopen the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, with an estimated daily operational cost of $9,000. Local businesses are also joining the efforts as they rely on the tourist traffic at these sites.

Visitors recently experienced the difficulties associated with the shutdown, including restricted access to areas and limited amenities like restroom facilities. Nevertheless, organizations associated with national parks are striving to enhance the visitor experience, offering resources and support in the absence of official staff.

As the situation evolves, communities across the nation remain united in their commitment to preserving the rich history found in national parks while advocating for the necessary funding to keep them operational.