Yellowstone, other national parks closing after waived fees led to more visitors
WASHINGTON _ A week ago, Interior Secretary David Bernhardt waived entry fees to national parks across the country to encourage people to use the outdoors as safe escapes during the COVID-19 pandemic. There were limited restrictions and warnings for people to stay at least 6 feet apart to protect themselves.
Cabin-sick visitors eager to escape the confines of their homes came in droves, partly lured by warmer weather and blooming flowers. The large numbers prompted the National Park Service to close access to some parks this week, including some of the largest and most visited.
"Despite park efforts over the last week to comply with the Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) guidance for social distancing, approximately 30,000 people entered the park daily resulting in congested conditions at popular locations such as Laurel Falls, Newfound Gap, and Cades Cove," the NPS said in announcing the closure of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park last year. "Visitors from across the country have flocked to the area due to Spring Break, wildflowers, and warm weather conditions."
The agency has also closed off access to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National parks in Wyoming, Yosemite National Park in California and Hawaii National Park.
_ CQ-Roll Call
