Friends of the Dunes Board Statement on the Government Shutdown
Note: The Friends of the Dunes is a nonprofit, nonpartisan group that supports scientific, cultural, and educational activities at Great Sand Dunes National Park. This statement is written by and expresses the views of the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Dunes.
As the government shutdown enters its fifth week, the Friends of the Dunes Board felt compelled to issue this statement regarding the impact of the shutdown.
We have received a small number of inquiries into volunteer opportunities to help clean Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve during the shutdown. In our conversations with park officials, there is not a current need for volunteer assistance. So far, visitors have been caring for the park and properly disposing of their trash. The park is very grateful for the offer of volunteer assistance. If circumstances change and volunteers are needed, the park will notify FOTD of the need.
Of course, we care deeply about the well-being of the park - it is a genuine treasure worthy of protection as a national park. But we also know that if needed to protect the resource, the NPS can completely close the park.
Our primary concern at this time is the well-being of federal workers impacted by this shutdown. They are our friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens, and they have a history of dedicated, committed work in protecting Great Sand Dunes, offering valuable and informative interpretive programs, and helping all visitors have a safe and meaningful experience while visiting the park.
A recent op ed attributed to an anonymous senior White House administration official and retweeted by the current president argued that “80 percent (of federal workers) feel no pressure to produce results…” and “Furloughed employees should find other work, never return and not be paid.”
We strongly disagree with that assessment and greatly appreciate the contributions made by all park employees at Great Sand Dunes and throughout the nation to protect, preserve, and help interpret our greatest national treasures. It is difficult to see these workers and their families harmed in a political conflict unrelated to the important and meaningful work they do.
We hope that those affected by the shutdown know how much we appreciate and value their work, and we urge leaders to listen to their own consciences and the many voices of concern for all federal workers, and end this senseless shutdown.
Friends of the Dunes Board of Directors
January 23, 2019
As the government shutdown enters its fifth week, the Friends of the Dunes Board felt compelled to issue this statement regarding the impact of the shutdown.
We have received a small number of inquiries into volunteer opportunities to help clean Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve during the shutdown. In our conversations with park officials, there is not a current need for volunteer assistance. So far, visitors have been caring for the park and properly disposing of their trash. The park is very grateful for the offer of volunteer assistance. If circumstances change and volunteers are needed, the park will notify FOTD of the need.
Of course, we care deeply about the well-being of the park - it is a genuine treasure worthy of protection as a national park. But we also know that if needed to protect the resource, the NPS can completely close the park.
Our primary concern at this time is the well-being of federal workers impacted by this shutdown. They are our friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens, and they have a history of dedicated, committed work in protecting Great Sand Dunes, offering valuable and informative interpretive programs, and helping all visitors have a safe and meaningful experience while visiting the park.
A recent op ed attributed to an anonymous senior White House administration official and retweeted by the current president argued that “80 percent (of federal workers) feel no pressure to produce results…” and “Furloughed employees should find other work, never return and not be paid.”
We strongly disagree with that assessment and greatly appreciate the contributions made by all park employees at Great Sand Dunes and throughout the nation to protect, preserve, and help interpret our greatest national treasures. It is difficult to see these workers and their families harmed in a political conflict unrelated to the important and meaningful work they do.
We hope that those affected by the shutdown know how much we appreciate and value their work, and we urge leaders to listen to their own consciences and the many voices of concern for all federal workers, and end this senseless shutdown.
Friends of the Dunes Board of Directors
January 23, 2019