#Regram #RG @guardian: Joshua Tree national park has been forced to close after vandalism to its distinctive namesake plants. A skeleton staff and volunteers have attempted to maintain the attraction over the 18-day US government shutdown, but found themselves overwhelmed by visitors and sanitation issues. The park's iconic landscape is fragile and could take generations to grow back, officials said. With just eight rangers left to oversee the 800,000 acre park, the gates will likely remain closed until the shutdown ends.