GTNP Receives Donations to Help Keep Some Facility’s Open

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Philanthropy and nonprofits have helped national parks handle federal budget cuts with little notice to visitors.

But officials don't know how long the effects of the funding cuts will remain unseen. Grand Teton National Park spokeswoman Jackie Skaggs says a one-time donation to the park in northwest Wyoming saved a visitor center, ranger station and preserve center from being shuttered this summer. The $135,000 gift came from associates with the Laurance Rockefeller Preserve Center, the Grand Teton Association and an anonymous donor. The nonprofit Grand Teton Association has provided the park with funding for special projects for decades. Executive director Jan Lynch says that this year it donated money to help pay for seasonal employees.

However, she says the organization can't repeat the donation next year.