Congress is in crisis mode again, trying to avoid the impending shutdown of the federal government, which could occur later this week. What does this mean for federal lands like those managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and others? First, some parks and their facilities will be closed. Many others will be minimally staffed, and visitors may be unaware that normal services are suspended \u2014 there are often too many entry points to place enough information signs.<\/p>\n
In the event of a shutdown, it’s largely up to the public to protect our shared natural areas. With limited staffing, services like bathroom maintenance, trash pick-ups, and even emergency support will likely be unavailable. The impending shutdown means that our responsibility to reduce our impacts is of the utmost importance.<\/p>\n
1. Consider Pivoting Away From Federal Lands
\n<\/b>During a government shutdown, most federal land managers could be furloughed, meaning these lands are often overused and understaffed, rescue services are limited, and maintenance continues to be deferred. Instead, consider rerouting and planning your upcoming outings to available state, county, and local parks.
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\n2. Plan Ahead and Be Informed
\n<\/b>Before embarking on your outdoor adventure, make sure you have information about the current status of parks and public lands. Government shutdowns can lead to partial or full closures of these areas. Check park websites, social media, and local news for the most up-to-date information. In some cases, park websites may be unmaintained due to staffing issues, so try to verify info with multiple sources. Planning ahead will help you avoid closed areas and find alternative outdoor destinations that are open and accessible.<\/p>\n