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Zion superintendent reports visitor increases, construction projects and staffing concerns ahead of possible federal funding lapse
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Summary
Zion National Park reported a 12.5% increase in February visitation year-over-year and year-to-date gains; construction projects (South Campground, Emerald Pools bridge/abutment work, Weeping Rock repairs) continue while seasonal hiring lags and contingency planning is under way for potential federal funding disruptions.
Zion National Park Superintendent Brady Bogg updated the Springdale Town Council on March 12 about visitation trends, ongoing park construction projects and contingency planning amid potential federal funding uncertainty.
Bogg said February 2025 visitation was up about 12.5% from the previous year and year-to-date visitation was up roughly 17.5%. He noted 2024 closed at about 4.9 million visitors. Project work continuing at the park includes South Campground construction, Emerald Pools bridge and abutment work and efforts to reopen Weeping Rock Trail after rockfall damage; the Emerald Pools work may extend into April. Bogg also said staffing remains behind seasonal targets after a hiring freeze and rescinded offers during prior months, and the park has authority to hire seasonal staff but is several months behind schedule.
The superintendent said federal contingency planning is active because a continuing resolution that funds agencies was approaching its end; he noted the House had passed a continuing resolution and it was awaiting Senate action at the time of his remarks. Bogg said different administrations handle lapses in funding differently, and he described negotiations — including potential state and governor interest in supporting operations in Utah’s five national parks — as ongoing discussions with the Department of the Interior.
Council members asked for clarification on specific items: Weeping Rock Trail repairs will aim to reopen the short quarter-mile trail to the Weeping Rock feature (not farther toward Hidden Canyon); Emerald Pools Bridge work began about a month before the meeting; and staffing losses included some career positions that provide tunnel and operational support, which could affect safety depending on which roles remain vacant. Bogg declined to supply a specific FTE number when asked, noting some personnel details were not public.
On public-safety impacts, Bogg said some lost positions included roles tied to tunnel operations and similar career positions; council members raised questions about whether lost FTEs affected search-and-rescue capacity and other safety functions.
The superintendent said park leadership was working on contingency plans should federal funding lapse and that the outcome would depend on negotiations at the federal level and any state support arrangements. He offered to answer further questions from council members.
