Shutdown Causes Major Damage to Threatened Joshua Trees in Iconic National Park

Following the irresponsible decision to keep national parks open without adequate staff during the federal government shutdown, vandals felled iconic Joshua trees to gain entry to the Joshua Tree National Park for off-roading late last week. The government shutdown, which became the longest in U.S. history over the weekend, left thousands of National Parks Service employees on furlough.

Experts agree that Joshua trees face significant threats due to climate change, with many predicting the trees could face extinction by 2100. The loss of the Joshua tree could cause ripple effects for ecosystems in the western desert they inhabit, as many species rely on them. In spite of the dangers to the natural environment, officials kept parks like Joshua Tree open largely unstaffed during the shutdown.

The following is a statement from Drew Caputo, Vice President of Litigation for Lands, Wildlife, and Oceans at Earthjustice:

“It’s day 24 of the government shutdown, and the Trump administration is still allowing garbage and vandalism to run rampant in our parks. We can’t just replace lost Joshua trees or fix the ecological damage their destruction caused overnight. Acting Secretary Bernhardt needs to close and protect the parks while they’re without proper staff and answer for this mismanagement immediately.”