Local wilderness lovers could (somewhat) rejoice Monday at the news that some roads into Rocky Mountain National Park that had been closed since the start of the federal government shutdown were to be reopened and other services — such as some entrance stations bathrooms and trash removal — were to be restored.

But while the park is now more accessible than it had been since the shutdown began, park staffing remains severely limited as staff members that have been brought back are not working full time. Meanwhile, other facilities and resources will remain limited or unavailable as long as the shutdown continues.

As a result, Colorado Mountain Club Conservation Director Julie Mach said those planning to take advantage of the increased access to the park — or visit other national parks and federal recreation areas affected by the shutdown — must be “prepared to be as self-sufficient as possible” when visiting.

“It’s important for people to try to get as much information as they can before they come to the park about its status while at the same time knowing such information might be limited,” Mach said. “And they need to come prepared to follow ‘leave no trace principles’ as they should any time they are visiting the park.

To help visitors do just that, the Reporter-Herald has compiled a list of tips based on advice provided by Mach and the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.

1. Be prepared (including for the unexpected): The Rocky Mountain National Park phone line (970-586-1206) provides information about the status of the park and what areas are open and was updated with a recorded message earlier this week. However, the nature of the shutdown and the reduced staffing that has resulted means that it is important for visitors to realize circumstances could change and phone and web information may not always be accurate and up to date.

2. Have a solid waste plan: Visitors to National Parks have become accustomed to having access to trash cans and bathrooms near trailheads and other high-traffic areas. Though some bathrooms and trash facilities have been restored at RMNP, others still haven’t been. making it important for park visitors to have plan for disposing of both trash — and, ahem, human waste. In both cases, bringing trash home (or at least out of the park where it can be properly disposed) could likely be the best option.

To deal with human waste, Mach recommends purchasing WAG Bags, which she described like “dog bags” for humans but are often deodorized, from any local gear shop for just a few dollars. She sad she generally discourages against digging holes. Leave No Trace also notes that the large garbage burden on national parks makes it worthwhile to make an effort to take trash (though perhaps not human waste) with you— even after the shutdown ends and services are restored.

3. Follow signs (and all regular park regulations): The lack of watchful park staff (and maybe even visitors) may make the shutdown a tempting time to venture into off-limits areas or pitch a tent in that alluring spot where camping is not allowed. But Mach said it is important to resist the temptation and reminds visitors that most park rules and regulations are in place to protect either visitors or the park itself. In fact, following park regulations is particularly important as emergency response could be delayed or reduced for those who do get into trouble. A lack of staffing to respond to issues in the park such as trees that have fallen onto roads also makes it important to follow any posted signs you come across during a visit.

4. Consider winter weather conditions: While weather should be a consideration for any winter trip to the park, a lack of resources could make it more difficult for park staff to keep roads safe and free of snow. Keep this in mind when planning a visit.

5. Give back: While park entrance stations will be staffed, entrance fees are still not being collected at the park. While this savings may seem like reason enough for budget-conscious park enthusiasts to plan a visit now, Leave No Trace said those who can afford it should consider a donation to organizations like the National Park Foundation or the Rocky Mountain Conservancy, which are involved in efforts to maintain the parks and mitigate any damage that occurs as a result of the shutdown (the latter of which has also committed to staffing the Fall River Visitor Center outside the park so that it may remain open during the shutdown).

The National Park Foundation is also asking for volunteers to help with cleanup efforts that will be organized after the shutdown ends. Though Rocky Mountain National Park has so far appeared to avoid the horror stories that have afflicted other national parks (one group reported finding little trash on a clean-up expedition this weekend), volunteer efforts could still be a benefit — particularly if the shutdown continues for a substantial period and circumstances change.

6. Support nearby businesses: Reduced traffic and tourism (and uncertainty about how long the shutdown will last) is having a negative impact businesses in communities like Estes Park that depend on tourism to the parks. So consider springing for a burger, beer or T-shirt to support these businesses, many of which are small, local operations.

Paul Albani-Burgio: 970-699-5407, palbani-burgio@reporter-herald.com