National Parks to Remain Open Under New Interior Department Order
New directive ensures operational consistency and visitor services across national parks
In response to concerns raised by the American Bus Association (ABA) and the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) has issued a new order aimed at safeguarding public access to the National Park System, even as the National Park Service (NPS) grapples with staffing and budget constraints. The order, signed by Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, directs NPS leadership to prioritize visitor access and maintain high-quality services across park units.
This move comes amid increasing pressure on the NPS due to workforce shortages, increased visitation, and rising operational costs. ABA and its partners had specifically requested clarity on how such challenges might affect group travel, guided tours, and motorcoach-based tourism within national parks.
The DOI order outlines several key directives that directly impact tour operators and other stakeholders in the travel and tourism industry:
1. Increased Accessibility and Operating Hours
The DOI order directs that all national parks remain open to the public during designated hours, and any reduction in access must go through formal review and approval.
This guarantees more consistent and predictable access to parks for tour operators—critical for maintaining tour schedules, managing customer expectations, and avoiding last-minute itinerary changes.
2. Staffing and Visitor Services Maintained
The order emphasizes the importance of maintaining adequate staffing levels to support continued public access and essential services, even amid workforce shortages.
This benefits tour operators by ensuring rangers, guides, and support staff are available to assist visitors. This enhances the overall tour experience and helps manage large group logistics.
3. Oversight of Operational Adjustments
The NPS Director and the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks will review all changes to park hours, services, or closures.
Tour operators can rely on a more transparent process and are encouraged to communicate with NPS officials to anticipate and adapt to any operational changes that could impact trip planning or service delivery.
4. Commitment to Visitor Experience and Resource Protection
The order reinforces the NPS’s dual mission of conservation and visitor enjoyment, ensuring that public access does not compromise resource protection.
Tour operators are reminded to prioritize sustainable tourism practices, which can be a unique selling point for customers seeking environmentally conscious travel experiences.
5. Long-Term Stability and Predictability
The order, effective immediately and in place until fully implemented, creates a foundation for consistent operations across the park system.
This offers tour operators stability during uncertain times, helping them plan, market, and deliver trips with greater confidence—while remaining flexible to adjust as needed based on ongoing NPS evaluations.
Overall, this action by the Department of the Interior underscores a commitment to keeping national parks open, accessible, and welcoming. For tour operators who rely on predictable access to NPS-managed sites, the order offers much-needed clarity and assurance, ensuring their ability to deliver high-quality travel experiences in partnership with the nation’s public lands.
