GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WMOT/TNS) -- Tennessee’s tourism industry is happy that The Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains at least partially open during the government shutdown, but some are questioning that decision.
The park is one of Tennessee’s most important economic engines. Federal data shows the Smokies attract some 11 million visitors a year who spend in excess of $800 million annually.
Park officials are using camping and other visitor fees to keep the Smokies partially staffed. but there have been reports of trash, overflowing toilets and damaged property.
Some park advocacy groups are asking the Ineterior Department Inspector General to investigate the decision to keep some parks open. Kristen Brengel with the National Parks Conservation Association calls that choice reckless.
"They're essentially manufacturing a crisis here by allowing parks to remain open. If parks were closed and just had essential staff, then those staff who are there would just be monitoring the parks to make sure that they were safe."
After human feces were found outside closed restrooms, the nonprofit group Friends of the Smokies announced it would help pay employees to maintain the restrooms at Newfound Gap and Cades Cove Visitor Center. Brent McDaniel is the group's spokesman.
"In the partial shutdown, where there aren' t services provided but the gates aren't closed, there need to be some basic necessities met to ensure the safety of visitors and cleanliness of the park.”
McDaniel says his group has provided more than $18,000 in private donations during the shutdown, and promises more in the near future.
Get the latest info on what’s open and what isn’t at nps.gov/grsm.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Information in this story provided primarily by Tennessee News Service.