Shutdown Resources: Forest Service & NPS Contingency Plans | Florida 19th Congressional District
Mood Booster: Baby Pygmy Hippo Cam
Not much to report today. The federal government has shutdown and currently there are no negotiations underway to resolve the funding crisis. At this point, no one knows how long this will last. I wanted to share some additional contingency plans to help tourism communities navigate the shutdown.
Last night, the U.S. Forest Service’s contingency plan posted. It is part of the larger U.S. Department of Agriculture’s plan and the Forest Service section starts on page 19.
The National Park Service’s full contingency plan also posted last night. Communities and Friends groups are already working on getting approval for efforts to keep park sites open with donations. As those work through the process, I will keep you updated.
Since I have no news to share on the shutdown, I am sharing political gossip. Thoughts and prayers for Florida, which seems to be operating under a dark cloud this year. Maybe it’s the water? The Washington Post is reporting today that two disgraced Republican former Congressman are attempting a comeback by running for the Florida 19th Congressional District. It is a bright red district and the incumbent, Byron Donalds is running for Governor. Former North Carolina 11th Representative Madison Cawthorn has jumped into the race. He generated a lot of headlines during his one term in Congress. Former New York Congressman Chris Collins is also running for the seat. He resigned from Congress in 2019 shortly before pleading guilty to insider trading charges. You cannot make this stuff up, which is why is make such a good read. The full article can be found here.
I want to close out with a positive mood booster. Recently a pygmy hippo was born at the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan and the zoo has posted a baby pygmy hippo cam. The baby is adorable and so young he has not yet been named. The zoo is conducting a naming contest and you have until October 3 to get your vote in. I think this is a far better use of time than tracking the goings on in DC.