Sequester Cuts Force Changes At Hot Springs National Park

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The entrance to Hot Springs National Park, which is having to make cuts in service.

Officials with Hot Springs National Park say automatic budget cuts that took effect March 1 will reduce the park's budget by about $228,000.

Park Superintendent Josie Fernandez says seasonal and temporary positions normally filled in the spring and summer months will be eliminated, saving the park about $77,000.

She says the most noticeable change will be the visitor center hours. Typically, the park extends the visitor center hours every summer, but Fernandez says they'll remain 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. this summer.

Fernandez says the budget cuts will also affect the number of guided tours available, as well as maintenance on the park's 26 miles of trails.

The cuts are part of $85 billion in budget reductions nationwide.