Federal parks and forests in Shasta, Siskiyou, Lassen and other North State counties felt the effects of partisan politics and the federal government shutdown on Wednesday after Congress failed to approve funding to keep the government operating past Sept. 30.

The U.S. Forest Service posted an alert on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Lassen National Forest and Klamath National Forest websites the morning of Oct. 1 that said: “The Radical Left Democrats shutdown the government. This government website will be updated periodically during the funding lapse for mission critical functions. President Trump has made it clear he wants to keep the government open and support those who feed, fuel, and clothe the American people.”

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area and other national park and recreation areas also announced possible reductions in services on Wednesday. The National Park Service posted an alert on Whiskeytown’s website and other park sites that said, “National parks remain as accessible as possible during the federal government shutdown. However, some services may be limited or unavailable.”

Shasta-Trinity and Lassen forest service spokespersons declined to comment about the shutdown and its immediate effects on recreation spots, requesting reporters contact their national office in Washington, D.C.

National offices also reported they’re reducing services.

The Department of the Interior, which oversees the National Park Service, posted a message on Wednesday on its national website that said, “Because of the federal government shutdown, www.doi.gov is not being updated and will not be able to respond to inquiries until appropriations are enacted.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees the Forest Service, posted the same message that appeared on forest service websites, blaming Democrats for the shutdown.

Will national forests and parks stay open during the federal government shutdown?

Prior to Oct. 1, the Department of the Interior sent a statement to USA TODAY saying it “will keep critical services open and running for the benefit of the American people.”

But it’s uncertain how park and forest service staff will adjust because, with both Democrats and Republicans in Congress blaming each other for holding up passing the budget, there’s no clear end to the shutdown as of Wednesday.

While not current, contingency plans sculpted in March 2024 and still posted on the Department of the Interior’s website in September said, “In general, National Park Service sites will be closed during the period of a lapse in appropriations.” It also said parks would notify visitors on the first day of the shutdown which “routine visitor services” would close, according to USA Today reporter Eve Chen.

That plan was removed from the park service’s website as of Wednesday.

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Jessica Skropanic is a features reporter for the Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. She covers science, arts, social issues and news stories. Follow her on Twitter @RS_JSkropanic and on Facebook.

This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Shutdown forces Shasta, Siskiyou, Lassen national forests and parks to reduce services
Reporting by Jessica Skropanic, Redding Record Searchlight / Redding Record Searchlight
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