Shutdown of Theodore Roosevelt Park Puts Local Tourism in Harm's Way

Theodore Roosevelt Park is North Dakota’s biggest attraction, and the mayor says many businesses depend on tourists. The mayor of a popular western-themed North Dakota tourist town seems concerned about a lengthy federal government shutdown.

Medora is located at one of the entrances to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Mayor Todd Corneil says he hopes Congress reaches a budget agreement soon.

Officials announced Saturday that the park will ‘remain as accessible as possible’ but warned ‘emergency and rescue services will be limited.’

Roosevelt ranched in the region in the 1880s and is known for his advocacy of land and wildlife conservation. Theodore Roosevelt is often considered the ‘conservationist president.’

The park in western North Dakota’s badlands features wide range of wildlife, from prairie dog towns to wild horses and bison.

After becoming the president, Roosevelt created the United States Forest Service (USFS) and establishing 150 national forests, 51 federal bird reserves, 4 national game preserves, 5 national parks, and 18 national monuments by enabling the 1906 American Antiquities Act, in order to protect wildlife and public lands.