You Are the Ranger: Protecting the Eastern Sierra During the Shutdown

The Eastern Sierra’s wild places remain open during the shutdown, but with many of our visitor centers and ranger stations closed during the ongoing government shutdown and most Forest Service, BLM and NPS staff furloughed,  there are far fewer people to care for them.  This government shutdown has just become the longest shutdown in American history and our public lands are suffering from it.  This means it’s up to all of us to step into the role of steward and caretaker for these incredible landscapes.

Every trail hiked, rock climbed, campsite visited, or lake fished comes with a shared responsibility to protect this place we all love. The absence of agency staff doesn’t mean the work of caring for our public lands stops, it means it’s even more important than ever to practice Leave No Trace.

Before heading out to our public lands during the shutdown, a good question to ask yourself is: Am I ready to be the ranger today?

Here are some ways to make sure you’re prepared to recreate responsibly while keeping yourself, wildlife, and the land safe

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Check weather forecasts, road conditions, and trail updates before you go. Especially as we head into winter, weather and trail conditions can change rapidly, leading to potentially dangerous conditions. Be ready for changing conditions and bring everything you’ll need, there may not be staff on-site to assist or provide updates.

Travel on Durable Surfaces
Stick to designated trails, parking areas, and campsites. Avoid creating new paths or walking on fragile soils and vegetation, especially in desert or alpine areas where recovery can take decades.

Pack It In, Pack It Out
Trash pickup may be suspended and many restrooms are not being cleaned as frequently, so plan to take everything you bring, including food scraps, toilet paper, and pet waste, back home with you. Better yet, bring and use WAG bags!  Especially in the high desert environment of Bishop’s popular climbing areas like the Buttermilks and Volcanic Tablelands, waste doesn’t break down and it can be very difficult to dig a sufficiently deep cathole.

Be Fire Wise
Fire management services are limited, so campfires should be avoided unless absolutely necessary and permitted. Use camp stoves for cooking, and if a fire is allowed, keep it small, in an existing ring, and never leave it unattended.

Respect Wildlife
From black b

ears to bighorn sheep, these animals depend on us to give them space. Store food securely, never feed wildlife, and use binoculars or zoom lenses to admire from afar.  Keep dogs on leash for their safety and the safety of wildlife.

Leave What You Find
Rocks, plants, and artifacts tell the story of this land, please let them stay where they are so others can experience that story, too.

Be Self-Sufficient and Stay Safe
With limited staffing, emergency response may be delayed. Carry a map, compass, or GPS (and know how to use them), tell someone where you’re going, and pack extra water, food, and layers.

The Eastern Sierra is a region defined by resilience, from its ancient bristlecone pines to its dedicated community of stewards and explorers. Even i

n uncertain times, our shared commitment keeps these landscapes healthy and accessible for everyone.

If you’re ready to take on the role of caretaker, plan carefully, stay safe, and leave no trace. Together, we can protect this extraordinary place for the wildlife, for each other, and for the Sierra, forever.