Google salutes Yosemite, even as shutdown closes national parks - Cincinnati News, FOX19-WXIX TV

(RNN) - Google's doodle Tuesday pays tribute to the anniversary of Yosemite National Park's creation the day a government impasse is shuttering the National Park Service.

Although national parks with limited, gated access will close because of the government shutdown, much of Yosemite will still be accessible since highways run through the park. All park services will close, and people will be advised to leave Yosemite within 48 hours, the Associated Press stated.

Yosemite is a scenic natural marvel in the Sierra Nevadas, drawing about 3.5 million visitors annually, according to the park's website.

President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill granting Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove to the state of California in 1864, the park's website stated. Environmentalist John Muir helped the area become a national park on Oct. 1, 1890, making Yosemite one of the oldest in the U.S.

The governmental budget fight is just one of the challenges Yosemite has faced this year. The Rim Fire, the largest fire in the park's history and one of the largest in the state's, grew to more than 255,000 acres, charring many structures in the park. The fire has cost $125.8 million.

Although the Rim Fire is 92-percent contained, smoke from the still-burning wildfire continues to affect air quality at the park, with smoky air blowing in, depending on wind direction.

The Associated Press said that, because of the shutdown, the National Park Service stands to lose about $450,000 a day from entrance fees, backcountry permits, boat rentals and other sales.

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