Date: April 22, 2013
Contact: Superintendent Karen Taylor-Goodrich, 360-854-7205
April 22, 2013 - Sedro Woolley, Washington - "We are moving forward with summer operations with reduced budgets and staffing", said Karen Taylor-Goodrich Superintendent of North Cascades National Park Service Complex."
Due to a series of required spending cuts in the federal budget ("sequestration"), the park has had to reduce its annual budget by five percent. Visitors can expect limited operations and fewer rangers to provide information and programs. While we take the actions necessary to comply with sequestration, the park remains open, welcoming visitors and continuing to protect the resources entrusted to our care. "We are striving to meet the required the budget reductions while providing adequate public access and safety, and vital resource protection and management to the greatest extent possible this year", Superintendent Taylor-Goodrich added.
All areas of the Park Complex will be open to the public including Hozomeen, Stehekin and the Skagit District along State Route 20. North Cascades Visitor Center near Newhalem and the Marblemount Wilderness Information Center open daily by the first weekend in May. Newhalem, Colonial and Goodell Campgrounds will have at least one loop open with fee collection beginning May 17. All loops and group reservation camps along SR20 open by Memorial Day weekend. The Hozomeen campground and NPS boat launch will open for vehicle access from June 21st-September 3rd this year. The gate at the Canadian border will close again just after Labor Day in early September. Park Rangers will patrol the area and seasonal park staff will provide service to the visiting public.
To learn more about the North Cascades National Park Service Complex go to www.nps.gov/noca
To find out more about all of Washington State's National Parks and how the Park Service works with communities to preserve local history, conserve the environment, and provide local recreation opportunities, go to
www.nps.gov/WA
