Friday, October 3, 2025

National Parks To Remain Partially Open During Government Shutdown

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As the government shutdown looms, Americans are left wondering what services will remain operational. National parks, a staple of American recreation, will not be entirely closed. Instead, they will be partially open, albeit with significant limitations. More than 60% of federal park employees are expected to be furloughed, according to the Interior Department's contingency plan.

This drastic reduction in staffing will undoubtedly impact the overall visitor experience. Basic services such as restroom cleaning and trash collection will continue, thanks to recreation fees. Some national park services may receive funding from state, local, or tribal governments, pending approval. However, parks without publicly accessible areas will be closed during the shutdown.

Buildings requiring staffing, including visitor centers, permit offices, gift shops, and park-managed concessions, will also be closed. USA TODAY reports that the Interior Department has outlined these measures in a contingency plan. The plan aims to strike a balance between maintaining some level of service and mitigating the effects of the shutdown on national parks.

The decision to partially open national parks during the shutdown is a departure from past government shutdowns. In 2013, national parks remained open, while in 2018, they were completely closed.

While some services Floridians rely on such as Social Security , veterans benefits and mail delivery will continue, what happens to national parks?
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