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State government shutdown would close state parks (2005-06-29)


If the Minnesota Legislature is unable to reach an agreement to fund state government operations by June 30, campgrounds, lodging, restrooms and other buildings in Minnesota State Parks and State Forests will close by 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 30.

"Contrary to some reports, I want to stress that state park campground would be closed in the event of a government shutdown," said Courtland Nelson, director of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation.

"No camping will be allowed, all facilities and buildings, including restrooms, would be closed, and park programs and services would not be available.

"Even as time gets closer to a possible shutdown, we still encourage campers to keep their Fourth of July weekend reservations," said Nelson.

"If a budget bill passes, state park facilities will be open and operational for the holiday weekend. If a bill is not passed and a partial state shutdown happens, customers will receive a full refund for all reserved nights that cannot be honored."

Customers who do not want to wait to see if there will be a partial state shutdown may contact state park reservation provider Spherix at 1-866-857-2757 for a full refund now. Customers who were scheduled to arrive for the Fourth of July weekend on Wednesday or Thursday of this week, but who prefer to wait until after 4 p.m. on June 30 to see if we will be open, will have their reservations held and honored if they choose to arrive on Friday.

Traditionally, the Fourth of July weekend is one of the busiest times for state parks and brings record numbers of tourists to the state and to the local areas around state parks. Currently, state parks report having more than 3,200 reservations per night for that weekend.

Information regarding the potential government shutdown and impacts to state parks is on the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us.

"We will post updates on this Web site to keep the public informed," Nelson said. "If there is a shutdown, however, this site will be shut down as well. We encourage customers to listen to media for the latest news on a state government funding resolution. We will work through the media to issue updates on park reopening and service restoration should a shutdown occur."

 

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