OGDEN, Utah (AP) — A report shows that Zion National Park is about $70 million behind on maintenance work, while continuing to see a record number of visitors.
The Standard-Examiner reports (http://bit.ly/1O2g9dt ) that the report released last month by park officials identified increased visitation and transportation issues as key challenges for Zion, which set a new attendance record in 2015 with 3.6 million visitors.
Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh says increased visitation has impacted roads, trails and other areas of the park.
Park officials recently announced they would develop a new management plan to address the crowds.
Maintenance schedules at most national parks have been affected by budget cuts implemented during the Great Recession. National Park Service officials say there was a nearly $12 billion backlog nationwide at the end of the 2015 fiscal year.