Shutdown Limits Park Services but Trails Stay Open
• National park visitor centers and services are closed due to the federal government shutdown, but trails remain open.
• Reduced maintenance increases safety risks for visitors due to unattended spills, icy patches, and overgrown vegetation.
• Limited staffing leads to less oversight, increasing littering, vandalism, and damage to sensitive ecosystems.
Park closures and accessibility during government shutdown
The federal government shutdown has resulted in the furlough of thousands of park staff, leading to the closure of visitor centers, restrooms, and guided services across the nation's national parks. Despite these closures, park roads, trails, and overlooks remain largely accessible to the public.
Related News