Impact of a Government Shutdown on the C&O Canal and other National Parks.
- Steve Nelson
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
A government shutdown looming on October 1, 2025, threatens to seriously impact U.S. National parks, including the C&O Canal National Historic Park, jeopardizing natural resources, visitor safety, local economies, and staff livelihoods.
National Parks Face Closures and Service Cuts
In past government shutdowns, national parks were either closed entirely or, during the most recent shutdown in 2018-2019, kept open under drastically reduced staffing, resulting in overflowing trash, damaged facilities, and safety hazards. Essential services, such as law enforcement, continue, but most park amenities—including visitor centers, campgrounds, ranger-led programs, and maintenance—are suspended, leaving sites vulnerable to vandalism, ecological damage, and increased risks for visitors. The U.S. Department of the Interior reported that during the shutdown, at least 1,200 incidents occurred across various national parks, posing safety hazards to both visitors and wildlife. The urgency for funding is clear; a shutdown does not just impact parks but has a ripple effect on tourism-dependent economies.
Cyclists and other visitors to the C&O Canal National Historic Park may be turned away or face a severely diminished experience beginning in October, and in the years to come.
Economic Impact on Gateways and Communities
A shutdown could force the closure or partial closure of the C&O Canal, disrupting plans for visitors—a situation that could result in lost revenue for surrounding communities and "trail towns." The restaurants, hotels, B&Bs, bike shops, and other establishments are all dependent on C&O Canal Visitors for a significant portion of their revenue. A previous shutdown resulted in more than $500 million in lost visitor spending nationwide, exacerbating economic harm for nearby communities that already suffer and rely on park tourism for jobs and local commerce.
Staffing Crisis Worsens Risks
The Trump administration has already significantly reduced funding and support for the Park Service. Since January of this year, the National Park Service has experienced a 24% reduction in its permanent workforce, with parks nationwide already struggling to maintain operations. If a shutdown occurs, thousands more staff members may be furloughed or laid off, exacerbating the strain on already depleted teams. The loss of maintenance, emergency response, and preservation efforts further threatens the protection of historic, cultural, and natural resources.
Calls for Park Closures and Better Protection
More than 35 former park superintendents have urged the Trump administration to close national parks to the public in the event of a shutdown, warning that keeping parks open without sufficient staff endangers both visitors and park resources. Recent history has shown that open, unstaffed parks suffered significant harm—from vandalism to widespread litter and defacement of historic sites—damage that can take years to repair.
What Visitors to the C&O Canal NHP Should Expect If a shutdown goes into effect:
The C&O Canal NHP may be entirely closed or have only minimal access, with visitor centers and campgrounds shuttered, porta-potties removed, and water unavailable.
Educational programs, ranger hikes, and events will be canceled.
If a complete closure is in effect, parking area gates will be locked, and visitors will be met with "CLOSED" signs.
A complete closure will also see access to the Potomac River unavailable from the Park.
Emergency services and resource protection may be significantly diminished, creating additional safety and ecological concerns. There will be no one to call to move the tree that has fallen across the towpath. Emergency services personnel will have a difficult time assisting the hiker or biker who needs help. Volunteers, such as the C&O Bike Patrol, will be unavailable.
Gateway towns and businesses reliant on park guests will weather sharp economic losses.
Conclusion
It seems like a government shutdown is unavoidable. Trump abruptly called off negotiations scheduled for Thursday, September 26, which Democratic leaders had requested in an effort to avert a shutdown. Democrats argue that bipartisan dialogue is necessary to pass funding legislation, especially given the slim Republican majority in the Senate and the need for some Democratic votes to advance any solution. However, Trump is relying on a go-it-alone approach, publicly stating that his administration will not negotiate on what he sees as unacceptable Democratic proposals.
A government shutdown this October would do more than disrupt visits to the C&O Canal National Historic Park; it would also endanger the long-term health and accessibility of all of America's National Parks, affecting everyone from local business owners and park staff to the millions whose memories and livelihoods are tied to these treasured public lands.
About Steve:
Having recently sold his publishing business and semi-retired, Steve now has more time to devote to his family
and outdoor recreational pursuits, including fly fishing, skiing, and cycling. He is a C&O Canal Bike Patrol member, a member of the C&O Canal Association, Mountain Maryland Trails board of directors, and serves as a Commissioner on the C&O Canal National Historical Park Federal Advisory Commission.
Contact Steve: tristatetownplanner@gmail.com
Â
