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Pitkin County readies limited response if federal Maroon Bells facilities close during a government shutdown
Summary
Pitkin County commissioners on Sept. 30 discussed limited local contingency steps — porta-potties, gate closures and coordinated messaging with ACRA and transit providers — if federal Maroon Bells facilities were closed during a government shutdown.
Pitkin County commissioners discussed contingency steps to manage recreation access and resources at Maroon Bells should a federal government shutdown close federal facilities and remove National Park staff from onsite management.
Staff told the board that, if federal staff are not available to operate visitor services, the county’s immediate options would be limited but include placing porta-potties at upper trailheads for nonvehicular users (bicyclists, hikers) and closing vehicle access gates to limit impacts and preserve resources. Staff cautioned the county cannot operate federal reservation systems or assume full park-management duties in place of federal staff, and said Riparian/visitor-management decisions would be limited by available county personnel.
Commissioners noted that reservations for Maroon Bells and related shuttle services are often handled through ACRA and the reservation vendor; staff said they would coordinate with ACRA and transit providers to ensure visitors who hold reservations are contacted about cancellations or changes. County staff acknowledged significant practical problems if visitors expect bus service or reserved trail access but the federal agency is not operating on site; Rafta and other transit providers may also curtail services if federal facilities are officially closed.
Board members discussed public-safety risks, potential parking overflow at road gates and trailheads, and how to direct visitors to alternative sites. Commissioner Greg Poschman said he wants long-term solutions to avoid vulnerability to future federal staffing interruptions and urged staff to plan options in advance. Commissioners asked staff to coordinate communications to help visitors understand closures, to consider temporary restroom placements for nonvehicular users and to work with ACRA on messaging for reservation-holders.
Staff said they will follow up with ACRA and transit partners to coordinate messaging and to prepare a county-level approach that prioritizes resource protection and public safety if a shutdown occurs.
