No Congress compromise leaves Joshua Tree without rangers

The government shutdown has left Joshua Tree Park without rangers and now a handful of health and safety concerning, prompting officials to shut down campgrounds on Wednesday. In a statement, park officials cite health and safety reasons including overflowing toilets, human waste in the park and illegal activity for the closure.

According to the statement, “The park is being forced to take this action for health and safety concerns as vault toilets reach capacity. In addition human waste in public areas, driving off road and other infractions that damage the resource are becoming a problem.”

Since the shutdown took effect, visitors have been able to enter the park without cost and venture throughout the nearly 800 thousand acre national forest without rangers on duty.

Indian Cove and Black Rock campgrounds are open for day use but some areas like Lost Horse Mine Road are closed until further notice due to “illegal activity.”

Via Twitter Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz said, “The partial government shutdown has forced campgrounds to close in Joshua Tree National Park. I am concerned for the safety of visitors due to overflowing toilets and a lack of staff, not to mention the cost to our local economy!”

It’s unclear when the park will resume to normal operations. Stay with News Channel 3 for developments.