The standard for most posters is not to read the entire thread, but here I would encourage one to do so this time.
I appreciate the comments Dewey02 has shared in this discussion, of being prepared for vacation planning different than previous summers. That is all this discussion is about.
Sadly, contrary to what DownTheAlley posted, all employees includes seasonals and are impacted by this temporary job freeze, everyone. From the very beginning the National Parks have had concessioners that operate the hotels, restaurants, horseback rides and more. Those will be operating as normal and your reservations should not be impacted.
But, as I have stated before the duties of entrance stations, forest fire fighters, Visitor Centers, Search and Rescue and many of the duties filled by hiring normally occurring during this time is being interrupted and delayed. Talking to a Regional OPM hiring official Jan 29th, I was told the process of backgrounds and verification is still occurring. What is not happening is any assignments being offered (EOD- Entry Date) to applicants. Many parks begin Onboarding early in April (Yosemite) through the end of May (Glacier). Currently the freeze is through April 22nd with possibility this will be resolved sooner. Typical OPM processing for persons being hired, is 6 weeks which many Government services will be impacted into June.
The question becomes, "How will this impact me?"
Answer is variable, critical positions are to be exempt, but at this point it is not determined with Law Enforcement, Search Rescue and Climbing Rangers in how this is impacted. But what is being impacted currently are, VUA-Entrance Station Personnel, Interpretation, Permit Stations for Boating & Backcountry, as well as important behind the scene work in Restoration of Historical Assets and Research, etc. So if any part of your vacation is involving these roles you should expect some disruptions and or delays during the early part of the summer season.
As for closures, it is only speculation at this point, but history in previous occurrences show that some areas will be unavailable for lack of staffing, such as programing and visitor centers, as well as reduced hours of operation.
Obviously many will have no issues with this bump in planning a vacation, but those that like to have information to plan for alternatives it is good to know.
b
