For Immediate Release

September 29, 2023

Montanans to Rosendale: Don’t shut down our livelihoods and Parks

 A looming government shutdown supported by Rosendale threatens local communities and small businesses as the Interior Department announces the closure of our National Parks 

(BOZEMAN, Mont.) –  Today, Montana Conservation Voters released the following statement from Executive Director Whitney Tawney in response to the U.S. Department of Interior’s announcement that they will close National Parks during a federal government shutdown supported by U.S. Congressman Matt Rosendale: 

“Congressman Rosendale has forced the Interior Department to make the tough decision to close our Parks without a second thought to our local communities and small businesses. We are disappointed in Congressman Rosendale’s lack of leadership to do the right thing for the Big Sky State and will hold him accountable for putting our livelihoods and outdoor opportunities at risk.” 

The Interior Department announced a majority of the National Parks would close during a shutdown for public safety and to protect the parks from damage. During a shutdown in 2018, the parks remained open but lightly staffed, leading not to just overflowing toilets and trash cans but to lasting damage from illegal activity like graffiti, poaching, and off roading. 

The closure will have a major impact on Montanans lifestyle and livelihoods. In 2022, five million park visitors spent an estimated $621 million in local gateway regions while visiting National Park Service lands in Montana. These expenditures supported a total of 9,460 jobs, $314 million in labor income, $479 million in value added, and $918 million in economic output in the Montana economy.

Unless House Republicans, including Congressman Rosendale, pass a short-term funding bill by September 30, a federal government shutdown will begin on October 1, 2023.

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Montana Conservation Voters is a statewide non-partisan membership organization dedicated to fighting for Montana’s air, water, open spaces, wildlife and public health. MCV provides voter participation services to tens of thousands of Montanans. Visit mtvoters.org for more details.

CONTACT

Anthony Licata

Communications Director
Montana Conservation Voters

406-426-2645