Visitors have been spotted illegally BASE jumping at Yosemite National Park during the ongoing government shutdown. The reckless behaviour of some extreme sports enthusiasts was captured in multiple videos shared online, showcasing individuals engaging in the potentially dangerous activity of BASE jumping, which involves leaping from objects with the aid of a parachute. One video, shared by Charles Winstead under the Instagram handle @bigwalltrailrunner, depicted BASE jumpers descending from Yosemite’s iconic El Capitan, a rock formation towering over twice the height of the Empire State Building. Winstead noted in the caption that the jumpers seemed to be taking advantage of the government shutdown to partake in the illicit activity.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/yosemite-101625-750d3dc72e444afb9452821ffc6da48c.jpg)
In a memo from the U.S. Department of the Interior in 2024, the National Park Service highlighted that while BASE jumping is generally prohibited by NPS regulations, it may be permitted through a park planning process. However, a NPS representative was unavailable for immediate comment on the specific legality of BASE jumping in Yosemite. Despite any potential allowances, the representative informed Outside magazine that BASE jumping is illegal in all national parks, including Yosemite. Witnesses described hearing the jumpers before witnessing their descent, as the sound of the parachute opening signalled their safe landing.
The National Park Service emphasised that its parks strive to remain as accessible as possible during the federal government shutdown, despite some services being limited or unavailable. While law enforcement rangers and campground personnel continue to monitor visitor activities and enforce park regulations, reports of squatting in the park have also surfaced. According to local reports, squatters have taken advantage of the absence of rangers, believing they can act with impunity. Nonetheless, the NPS clarified to USA Today that reports of unmonitored campgrounds and widespread squatting are inaccurate and reiterated their commitment to maintaining order within the park.
Situations like the illegal BASE jumping and squatting incidents at Yosemite shed light on the challenges posed by the government shutdown on national parks. The lack of full staffing due to the shutdown has created opportunities for individuals to engage in unauthorised activities. The need to safeguard public safety, property, and the environment within national parks remains a priority for the National Park Service, even during this period of limited operations. As discussions continue on resolving the government shutdown, ensuring the protection and preservation of natural treasures like Yosemite National Park remains a significant concern.
In conclusion, the illicit activities unfolding at Yosemite National Park underscore the impact of the government shutdown on park operations and visitor behaviour. Despite efforts to maintain accessibility and enforce regulations, incidents like illegal BASE jumping and squatting highlight the challenges faced by national parks during times of restricted operations. As authorities work to address these issues, the importance of safeguarding public safety and preserving the integrity of these natural landscapes remains paramount. The allure of national parks like Yosemite must be balanced with the responsibility of protecting these ecological treasures for future generations to enjoy.