Matthew Wells, president of the Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic Site, told the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce about the consequences of the recent cuts to the National Parks Service by President Donald Trump at the weekly coffee on March 13.
Wells encouraged the community to call their elected representatives to tell them how important the fort is to the city of Fort Scott, with the historic site averaging 25,000 tourists a year.
In a later interview, Wells said that currently, Fort Scott National Historic Site is operating with less than 50% of its normal staffing levels.
“This has led to multiple-day closures of the park, a drastic cancellation of all interpretive programs, and a significant reduction in staff-led tours and educational events, that have historically been at the heart of this site’s appeal,” he said. “All of the activities that the Fort personnel do every year have been cancelled. But they are still trying, as staffing will allow, on a case-by-case scenario, to find educational opportunities with educators. With this loss of staffing, the essential public services and programs that are critical to the park’s mission have been disrupted, resulting in a diminished visitor experience.”
Wells said the reduction in staffing and closures have far-reaching consequences.
“As a gateway community, Fort Scott relies heavily on tourism dollars and taxes, with Fort Scott National Historic Site being one of the primary attractions drawing visitors. These cuts not only harm the park but also undermine the economy of the entire region, negatively affecting local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related services. The loss of visitors directly impacts local revenues, jeopardizing the livelihoods of residents and business owners who depend on tourism as a vital part of their income.”
“This ongoing situation is causing irreparable harm to Fort Scott National Historic Site and our community. With all Government credit cards being limited to $1, vital repairs can no longer be accomplished. Even the purchases of everyday items such as toilet paper are not possible, and trash services have been disrupted as payments cannot be made. We fear that if these issues are not addressed promptly, the future of the park could be in jeopardy, as could the economic and cultural vibrancy of our town. The historical significance of Fort Scott is irreplaceable, and we cannot afford to lose this essential part of our heritage, nor can we afford the continued erosion of the tourism-based economy that sustains our community.”
“Right now, two of our Friends (of Fort Scott National Historic Site organization ) board members are volunteering to keep the visitor center open,” Wells said. “Friends members are working multiple days a week. Both of them have taken the specialized training required by the federal government in order to be volunteers in that capacity. Others are volunteering as living historians to roam the grounds and to keep the smallest amount of interpretive program growing. Friends of the Fort is active and helping the fort in any way that we can.”
Carl Brenner, FSNHS Program Manager said the fort will be open to the public Friday through Tuesday from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, the fort will be closed because of a staffing shortage, like last summer. During these times, the buildings will be closed but the public can walk the walking trails in the park.
Brenner referred this reporter to the Midwest communication contact person, who referred to the news media contact at the National Park Service. There has been no response to questions that were sent as of the time of this publication.
To contact the representatives(taken from the Bourbon County Kansas website:
U.S. Senators for Kansas
Roger Marshall – (Republican)
PO Box 1588
Great Bend, KS 67530
(202) 224-4774
Jerry Moran – (Republican)
PO Box 1372
Pittsburg, KS 66762
(620-232-2286
U.S. Representative for Kansas