Joshua Tree National Park To Close Due To Jerkwad People Who Ruin Everything

Last week, I mentioned that national parks were taking the brunt of the government shutdown. And by “taking the brunt,” I meant people were abusing them by doing stupid things like CRAPPING in them.

As of last week, it was getting so bad that campgrounds were having to close due to the increasing health hazards.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. I fail to see how it’s an emergency to visit a national park, and if you HAVE to visit one during a government shutdown, be respectful and plan accordingly. Figure out your restroom methods ahead of time.

Apparently, people are incapable of doing that. Joshua Tree National Park has to close due to these increasing issues.

JUST IN: NPS says Joshua Tree National Park will temporarily close Thursday morning “to address sanitation, safety, and resource protection issues” during the gov’t shutdown, including “incidents of new roads being created by motorists and the destruction of Joshua trees.” pic.twitter.com/PehewnDoDq

— NBC News (@NBCNews) January 8, 2019

Joshua Tree National Park will close to all visitors Thursday because of damage to the park during the partial government shutdown, now in its third week. Without rangers on hand, visitors created new roads by driving off pavement and defaced the park’s namesake Joshua trees, a park spokesman said Tuesday.

“The way it looks right now because of resources or lack thereof, we have about eight rangers that oversee a large park, we will remain closed until appropriations are put into place to reopen,” spokesman George Land said Tuesday.

What right does ANYONE think they have to damage the park and ruin the trees? Act like a human, not an animal. You shouldn’t have to have a ranger there to tell you that.

h/t LA Times