Officials warn of negative effects on national parks as shutdown drags on

Published October 22, 2025 5:03pm ET



Public land officials are warning of negative effects on local economies, waste pileups, and consequences to ecosystems across America’s national parks as the government shutdown moves into its 22nd day.

The National Park Service opted to keep most of its parks open during the government shutdown, albeit with limited staffing on the grounds. NPS furloughed 9,296 of its 14,500 employees during the lapse in federal funding, according to its contingency plan. A recent court filing has also revealed that reduction-in-force measures within NPS are impending.

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