US EditionPublished • loading... • Updated
How the Government Shutdown Affects National Parks, Small Businesses
Staffing shortages and funding lapses have forced closures of visitor centers and services at major national parks, with a 24% staff loss worsening the impact, National Parks Conservation Association said.
- On Wednesday, Oct. 1, the federal government shut down after a funding standoff over health care; the National Park Service said parks will remain partially open with reduced services while over 60% of park employees are furloughed.
- Facing deep budget cuts and staffing losses, the National Park Service has lost at least 24% of permanent staff since January, while the White House Office of Management and Budget directed agencies to prepare Reduction in Force plans.
- During an earlier lapse, parks were left open with skeleton crews and suffered vandalism and illegal off-roading; staff found at least 1,665 clumps of toilet paper and half a ton of human waste at Death Valley.
- The NPCA warned that full closures are necessary, projecting $1 million daily in fee losses and $77 million for gateway communities during a shutdown, risking $1 billion weekly in travel losses.
- Under the contingency plan, excepted staff are limited to life, property and public-health protections, with the Office of the Interior expecting to furlough 9,296 of 14,500 employees.
Insights by Ground AI
23 Articles
23 Articles
Pensacola News JournalReposted by 
USA Today
USA TodayAre Florida national parks closing during government shutdown? Sort of. What we know
During the government shutdown, national parks will remain open but staffing and many visitor services will be reduced or stopped. What to know.
·Pensacola, United States
Read Full Article
ABC FOX Montana+13 Reposted by 13 other sources
National parks to remain accessible despite funding lapse
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Park Service (NPS) announced that despite a potential lapse in appropriations, national park roads, lookouts, trails, and open-air memorials will generally remain accessible to visitors.
·Missoula, United States
Read Full Article
Times of IndiaReposted by 
The Economic Times
The Economic TimesNational parks government shutdown 2025: what happens to Yellowstone and federal sites
National parks face uncertain operations if the federal government shuts down Oct. 1, 2025. Yellowstone and other Interior Department sites could close or operate with skeleton crews. Congress must approve spending by Sept. 30 to avoid closures affecting park services and employees
·India
Read Full ArticleCoverage Details
Total News Sources23
Leaning Left2Leaning Right3Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution55% Center
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources are Center
55% Center
L 18%
C 55%
R 27%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
