US budget cuts hit national parks hard

Longer lines and fewer staff members at summer holiday sites like Grand Canyon as families bear brunt of impasse.

Budget cuts are hitting many of the open plains and pristine forests of the US.

At Arizona’s Grand Canyon, one of the oldest and most beloved national parks, there are longer lines and fewer staff members to admit visitors.

The situation is a consequence of sweeping, across the board federal budget cuts that started going into effect last March.

Park visitors say family holidays should not have to suffer just because politicians in Washington are unable to come together to resolve the budget impasse.

Al Jazeera’s Rob Reynolds reports from the Grand Canyon, Arizona.

 

Source: Al Jazeera