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Death Valley was proclaimed a national monument in 1933, and more than 60 years later it was re-designated a national park through the Desert Protection Act of 1994. The act recognized Death Valley's natural beauty and scientific importance and expanded it to 3.4 million acres, making it the largest national park outside of Alaska.
Death Valley National Park is the hottest, driest place in North America with summer temperatures frequently reaching 120 degrees Fahrenheit. A region of unrivaled desert scenery with shimmering salt flats, shifting dunes, and rugged peaks higher than 11,000 feet, Death Valley National Park protects 38 reptile species, more than 200 species of birds, and 31 mammal species. The park also contains the lowest point in the western hemisphere, at 282 feet below sea level.
Unfortunately, Death Valley is short more than $6 million annually. More than 42 vacant positions have had a negative affect on visitor services and satisfaction, and the educational experience, visitor protection, and protection of cultural and natural resources. Trash pickup is infrequent and restroom facilities are not always in prime condition because motor vehicle operator and maintenance worker positions are vacant. Vacant mechanic positions have put a strain on automotive upkeep so that emergency vehicles, patrol vehicles, and other park automobiles are often not available when needed. Public education programs were cut by a third in 2002 because of a lack of interpretive staff. The park can no longer afford a staff member dedicated to public education, including environmental education programs for schools and community groups.
This summer, Death Valley plans to hire fewer seasonal staff, limiting the number of park employees available to attend to visitor needs in the harsh desert climate, provide information, conduct educational tours and programs, keep facilities clean and in working order, provide curatorial cataloging, and monitor the park's rare petroglyphs and historic sites-vulnerable to vandalism and poaching.
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