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Exploring Local Alternatives During the National Park Shutdown

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A view of the San Juan River winding through the high canyon walls of Goosenecks State Park. Most of the landscape is beige, white and red, but the San Juan is lined with green vegetation far below.
LP McKay
/
KSJD
State Parks, like Goosenecks in Utah, can provide local visitors with a quick opportunity to see some breathtaking sights in the 4 Corners, despite the government shutdown at the federal level, canceling tours at National Parks like Mesa Verde.

If you were planning a visit to Mesa Verde or another National Park in the region this week, you may find your plans affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown — which has closed visitor centers, museums, and many park roads. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do in the Four Corners! This is a perfect time to explore our local communities.

Take a drive through our fall foliage - it's near peak right now.

Take in some live music at one of the local venues, grab dinner at one of our non-chain restaurants or stop by a local art gallery or museum to see what’s new. You can also check out the KSJD Community Calendar at ksjd.org for the latest on events, performances, and activities happening all around the area. You can also find a list of our underwriters there if you’re looking for business leaders who are committed to community radio.

So even if your tour is cancelled, our local spirit is open and thriving — and your support helps keep our small-town businesses and artists going strong.

Lacy McKay is the News Director and Morning Edition Host at KSJD Community Radio in Cortez, Colorado. They bring years of experience in audio production and community-centered reporting, with a focus on rural issues, public lands, tribal affairs, and civic engagement in the Four Corners region. McKay has produced and edited news features, interviews, and podcasts for broadcast and digital platforms, and works closely with regional partners through Rocky Mountain Community Radio to amplify local voices and stories that might otherwise go unheard.
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