MOSCA – During the shutdown of the federal government due to the lapse of appropriations, national parks will remain as accessible as possible while still following all applicable laws and procedures. Park roads, and trails at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, will remain accessible to visitors, but emergency and rescue services are limited.

There will be no NPS-provided visitor services, including public information, fee collection, janitorial services, restrooms, trash collection, and facilities and roads maintenance including snow plowing.

Because of the federal government shutdown, NPS social media and websites are not being updated and may not reflect current conditions. If the shutdown lasts through the week, the annual Christmas Bird Count held on December 29th will be cancelled.

The park’s campground continues to be closed for the season. The Medano Pass Primitive Road, from Castle Creek picnic area to the top of the pass, is closed for the season and will remain closed during the government shutdown.

For updates on the shutdown, please visit www.doi.gov/shutdown. www.nps.gov About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees who care for America’s 417 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at http://www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice, Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice, and YouTube www.youtube.com/nationalparkservice.