Today, October 2nd, is day two of the government shutdown. Here is how it is affecting the Virgin Islands National Park:
- The Virgin Islands National Park is a gateway park with no entrance booth or entry fees. It will remain open and accessible to residents and visitors.
- The Virgin Islands National Park has access to limited funds, which will allow three maintenance workers to remain on staff. These workers will continue to service the north shore. Trash pickup will continue. (The north shore is where the most popular beaches are located, such as Hawksnest, Trunk, Cinnamon and Maho.)
- Contracted services have ceased. This includes road cleaning.
- The Visitor’s Center in Cruz Bay is closed.
- The restrooms beside the Visitor’s Center in Cruz Bay are closed.
- Park law enforcement will remain on duty.
- Parks are allowed to continue collecting usage fees, so Trunk Bay will remain open and the fee to enter will be charged.
- Concessions at Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay will be open as normal.
- All other National Park staff and services have been halted.
- Park websites and social media will not be updated.
**I believe that the parking area at Caneel Bay is closed. According to the contingency plan released by the National Park Service earlier this week, “…if a facility or area is locked or secured during non-business hours (buildings, gated parking lots, etc.) it should be locked or secured for the duration of the shutdown.” The gate at Caneel Bay is closed daily around 5 p.m., which leads me to believe this will be closed. I plan to check for myself later today.**
Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park does not typical start volunteer programs until after hurricane season, which is mid-November. However they plan to start early this year due to the government shutdown. There will be a volunteer walk-up trail clearing program beginning next Tuesday, October 8th. I believe that the first trail to be cleared will be the Lind Point Trail over to Margaret Hill and Caneel Hill. If you are interested in volunteering next Tuesday or for subsequent trail clearing, please check out Friend’s of the VI Park’s Facebook page. You can also contact them at trails@friendsvinp.org.
I will let you know if any other changes occur with regard to the government shutdown.
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