Ripple effects: The government shutdown and MN's national parks
Visitors to national parks properties will see the impacts of the 2025 federal government shutdown, with maintenance activities such as restroom upkeep and trash collection impacted. (Photo by FMR)
The federal employees who make sure Minnesota’s national parks are clean, safe and in good health are currently off the job. “Non-essential” staff with the National Parks Service have been furloughed due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, which is now in its third week.
What does this mean?
For one, event cancellations. Bob Timmons at the Star Tribune checked in on all six of Minnesota’s National Park Service units, including the Mississippi National River & Recreation Area. More than a dozen public events at that property alone have been canceled there, with more likely to come.
Visitor centers are closed, and some upkeep activities like trash collection and restroom maintenance have been impacted, explains American Rivers.
And resource protection activities are also on hold, Mississippi Park Connection says, with restoration sites like Mni Owe Sni/Coldwater Spring particularly vulnerable to excessive litter or off-leash dogs.
What can you do to help blunt the negative impact? In short, be a good visitor — be mindful of the rules, minimize your impact at any site you visit and understand these properties are not operating with the people and resources they need.
For more tips, check out our guide of ways to care for the river while enjoying it.
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