Retirees Warn Against Sequestration

The Coalition of National Park Service Retirees are again warning about the effects of federal sequestration if Congress fails to act in the week ahead.  The organization says sequestration will impair the experiences in many ways for millions of visitors at America’s national parks just to mention a few of the consequences.   In addition,Spokesperson, Joan Anzelmo, here in Jackson says local, regional and state economies that depend on national parks will take huge hits as visitors skip visits due to the impact of the budget cuts. Anzelmo says, “When you think about what the national parks in Wyoming and in particular Yellowstone and Grand Teton do for the state’s economy and the economies of all the communities that surround these two parks, it is simply going to be devastating.”  Anzelmo points out that here in Jackson the local economy depends heavily on national parks which contribute over $600-million annually to the state economy and create about 9000 private sector jobs.  She says the cuts would spell a reduction in seasonal services not only at park facilities, but other popular park experiences as well.  Says Anzlelmo, “For those who know Grand Teton, we all know that the back country is so popular; and if there aren’t adequate seasonal staff to serve visitors – to help visitors – there could be real impacts for the folks who enjoy the incredible back country of Grand Teton and Yellowstone.”  Additionally, Anzelmo says the ability to respond to emergencies including wildland fires will be sharply reduced due to the budget cuts.