My understanding is that even though IPCO is still going to the islands and the
whale watches are going out, we are not allowed to wear our uniforms or act as
a naturalist until the shutdown is over. This is the email that park Visitor
Center volunteers got today:
All volunteer assignments are suspended until further notice.
During a government shutdown due to lapse of appropriations, National Park
Service (NPS) volunteers (VIPs) are not allowed to serve. Volunteers are
considered part of the NPS workforce. VIPs may not work and normal protections
and liability coverages are suspended during a shutdown.
VIPs will not be allowed to access closed federal buildings or to use any
federal equipment or property, such as vehicles, computers or mobile phones,
maintenance equipment, or educational props during a federal shutdown.
Please continue to follow the news for the most current information on the
federal government shutdown. Once the shutdown has ended we will notify you and
we will return to the scheduled volunteer assignments.
For the duration of the shutdown, all National Park Service employees will be
furloughed and will not be able to check email or voicemail until the
government re-opens.
Bummer!!! Judy Oberlander
