The National Park Service (NPS) has announced that three individuals have been convicted for illegal BASE jumping in Yosemite National Park, even as the U.S. government remains in a shutdown. Despite the lapse in federal funding, the NPS continues to enforce laws and maintain safety protocols within the park, with full ranger staffing.
Judging by the recent reports of unauthorized campers, BASE jumpers, and climbers scaling Half Dome’s cables without permits, the enforcement of regulations remains a top priority for rangers. Superintendant Raymond McPadden emphasized the park’s unyielding commitment to upholding federal regulations and ensuring the safety of both visitors and first responders. ‘We do not tolerate illegal activity in Yosemite National Park.’ These convictions demonstrate the professionalism and dedication of the park’s protection team, reinforcing the NPS’s dedication to public safety beyond the shutdown.
BASE jumping, an acronym for building, antenna, span, and earth, has been banned in national parks since the 1980s due to the serious risks it poses to participants and emergency responders. Violators can face fines up to $5,000 or jail time, along with the potential for losing equipment and being banned from the park. While the ban remains strict, enthusiasts persist in attempting the illegal activity, often at dawn or dusk to avoid detection by law enforcement.
During the government shutdown, the NPS has implemented a contingency plan that allows essential law enforcement and emergency response duties to continue unimpeded. The Department of the Interior (DOI), which oversees the NPS, confirmed its awareness of ongoing illegal activities and is actively investigating several cases. ‘BASE jumping is illegal in all national parks, including Yosemite, due to the significant safety risks it poses.’ The DOI noted that the park remains accessible to visitors, and rangers are continuing to respond to incidents as they would during normal operations.
While the shutdown has raised concerns among conservation advocates and park managers, the NPS and DOI have affirmed that safety and law enforcement remain priorities. The Interior Department has denied recent claims of worsening conditions in the park, asserting that there has been no significant increase in vandalism, trash buildup, or visitor misconduct during the shutdown. In fact, visitor cooperation and volunteer stewardship have remained strong, with many individuals contributing to the protection and maintenance of the park.
With over four million visitors annually, Yosemite is a popular destination, especially between May and October. During the current funding lapse, the DOI has advised that parks will offer basic services using retained recreation fees, while law enforcement and emergency response operations continue. Despite the challenges of operating without full staffing, rangers remain on duty and are responding to incidents as they would under normal conditions, reinforcing the park’s safety protocols even in the face of financial constraints.
The NPS has also issued warnings about the use of drones in Yosemite, which are prohibited without a special permit. Unauthorized drone use can result in fines of up to $5,000 or six months in jail. Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable increase in drone violations, prompting the park to expand signage at entrances and visitor areas to raise awareness about these restrictions.
A recent legal action resulted in the conviction of three individuals for BASE jumping, including one case that involved a serious injury. The convictions stem from cases dating back to 2020, with one individual previously convicted in 1998 for a similar offense. These actions reflect the park’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal activities and uphold its safety measures, even in the wake of the government shutdown.
Conservation groups, such as the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, have expressed concerns over the impact of the shutdown on park management. They argue that the lack of full staffing has contributed to a pattern of disorder and have recommended that all parks be closed during any government funding lapse. The coalition, consisting of over 40 former NPS leaders, has called for the closure of all 433 park sites during any lapse in federal funding, citing staffing shortages as a critical issue.
Despite these concerns, the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior are working to maintain access to the parks during the shutdown, ensuring that essential services and safety measures remain in place. The agencies continue to emphasize that the safety of visitors and the preservation of park resources are paramount, regardless of the financial situation. The ongoing efforts to address illegal activities and maintain public access reflect the dedication of rangers and staff in upholding the integrity of national parks during challenging times.