Federal Budget Sequester Impacts to Buffalo

[Half Ton]

We had a big discussion about what would happen to the park when trash services were stopped and trash cans were present over winter. If any thing, litter bugs are predictable creatures.

I hate to be right sometimes, but the report at the end of this link speaks a bit about the problem, and how basic services which can prevent it are going to be limited throughout tourist season....ain't lookin good y'all.

"Among the changes visitors may expect to see are fewer trash cans. When they get full, people tend to just pile up their trash around them which is quickly scattered by various wildlife. We have also seen a startling increase in the dumping of household trash in or near park receptacles. We are hoping that visitors will get into the habit of taking their trash (and recyclables) home. Visitors may also want to bring their own toilet paper, just to be sure. Routine cleaning and stocking will continue but at a longer interval. In areas where there are multiple restrooms, some may be closed to reduce the number necessary to service."

Here's the rest of the story: http://www.nps.gov/buff/parknews/buffal ... rvices.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[okieboater]

Well, because my budget has endured a lot less purchasing power and dollars over the past few years, I can understand getting by on less money is not pleasant. But my family made the cuts intelligently.

I think the powers that be in our government are making this 5 percent cut in the increase in spending as difficult on the public as they can.

I read the letter. If these things were in the budget before the cut was announced, then they should be funded now. A little known fact is the government budget has increased each year due to they way they handle it.

Until I can find out differently I think the public is not getting the truth about these cuts due to the deal proposed by the President and agreed to by the Democrats and Republicans in Congress.

[Canoe_Codger]

I hate to see this on several levels, though I am not surprised. Not only will the reductions in services have an impact on the ecology of the park, but also on the concessionares specificly, the economy in the area generally and of course on the State as a whole. A single venue that attracts 1,100,000 visitors (and their wallets) a year has a huge financial impact.

Ecologicaly, I believe the impact will be a mixed bag, though recoverable down the road. Short term, even if visitor days fall by half, I expect to see a proliferation of toilet paper blooms, illegal dumping and overflow/scattering of trash receptical contents. And contrary to what might seem intuitive, I believe there will be a marked increase in vandalism such as tagging (spray paint), destruction of signs and facilities, damage to trees amd plants and trails. While most of us, it is my guess, value solitude or at least lack of crowds when visiting (if you avoid the Park during holidays you might be one, like me), vandelism seems to be less frequent with witnesses around.

Part of this can be lessened via volunteerism (itself a finite resource). And remembering the ecological mess that was Rush, I have no doubt that the environment is resiliant enough to recover though it may take a while. What may not recover is the local busineses including concessioners. Most operate on a very thin margin, the concessioners more so due to the regulations they have to follow to keep their permits year after year. And the seasonality of visitation/ demand for the services they offer.

Why would visitation plummet? I am not certain it will. But given the mindset of many people these days, I can see the park, with reduced access to restrooms, showers and trash pickup, being far less attractive to vacationers with money to spend. Absolutely closing campgrounds will reduce park capacity for slam-door campers. And more than a drain on park revenue, they are a revenue source for the park.

How will it effect me personally? Not much. I was there long before the NPS was. If I want to go to just enjoy solitude, I know quite well how to do that and not see another human for two weeks at a time. While I use the concessioners for vehicle shuttle, unless I rent a cabin (rare but I have done it), my visits don't add much to their pockets, or fees to the NPS, or to local gateway businesses. Still, I view the river and it's watershed as a gem worth preserving, promoting and improving through increased visitation as long as those visitors are accomodated with services, facilities and improvements. I don't like seeing that go backwards. Just an old Codger's opinion.

Michael

[hollohead]

My bet is that use stays around the same, as long as the park is open, people will come. Spring break is around the corner and will tell the story.

[Randy Dodson]

Dave NAILED it.......and I bet his hammer didn't cost $100