Government Shutdown Looms Threatening Acadia National Park Operations

Concerns are rising over the potential impact of a federal government shutdown on national parks, including Acadia National Park, where former superintendent Sheridan Steele and over 35 other former superintendents are advocating for a full closure to protect visitors and park resources amid limited staffing. Past shutdowns have left parks open but understaffed, resulting in safety hazards, unmaintained facilities, and environmental damage, as seen in the 2013 Acadia closure and the 2018-2019 shutdown that caused significant waste accumulation at Death Valley. Local groups like Friends of Acadia are preparing for any outcome, emphasizing safety concerns during peak visitation times like fall foliage season. Meanwhile, federal agencies face widespread disruptions, with President Trump threatening mass layoffs of federal workers rather than furloughs, escalating tensions in budget talks. Despite the shutdown threat, critical services such as disaster response and weather forecasting by FEMA and the National Weather Service are expected to continue operating. The shutdown also poses risks to local economies dependent on tourism and federal program funding, with organizations urging lawmakers to prevent an "unnecessary disruption."