Leave No Trace Essentials to Getting Outside During the Current Government Shutdown

October 2, 2025

Many federally managed natural areas will remain open during a shutdown, but visitors should proceed with caution

/OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Congress is in crisis mode again, trying to remedy the federal government shutdown which went into effect on October 1. What does this mean for federal lands like those managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and others?

First, some parks and their facilities will be closed. Many others will be minimally staffed, and visitors may be unaware that normal services are suspended — there are often too many entry points to place enough information signs.

During a shutdown it’s largely up to the public to protect our shared natural areas. With limited staffing, services like bathroom maintenance, trash pick-ups, and even emergency support will likely be unavailable. The shutdown means that our responsibility to reduce our impacts is of the utmost importance.

Learn about the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace.

1. Consider Pivoting Away From Federal Lands
Many federal land managers and their staffs have been furloughed, meaning public lands are vulnerable to overuse, rescue services are limited, and maintenance continues to be deferred. Consider rerouting and planning your upcoming outings to available state, county, and local parks. Following the 7 Principles is especially important when parks are stressed.

2. Plan Ahead and Stay Informed
Before embarking on your outdoor adventure, make sure you have information about the current status of parks and public lands. Government shutdowns can lead to partial or full closures of these areas. Check park websites, social media, and local news for the most up-to-date information. In some cases, park websites may be unmaintained due to staffing issues, so try to verify info with multiple sources. Planning ahead will help you avoid closed areas and find alternative outdoor destinations that are open and accessible.

3. Plan to Pack Out All of Your Trash, and Have a Bathroom Strategy
Plan to take all of your waste with you – if you pack it in you can pack it out. Government shutdowns may result in limited or suspended services, including trash collection in parks and locked bathroom facilities. Be prepared to pack out all of your trash and bring it back home with you so that adjacent communities are not stressed by the influx of trash. Bathrooms may or may not be available during the shutdown period, so it’s best to prepare for the not-available scenario. Use available restrooms before heading into a park. If you do need to use the bathroom while out exploring, catholes, WAG bags, or other disposable bags for human waste are a responsible option. Bring additional containers and bags, and plan to pack everything out with you.

What’s a WAG Bag?

4. Be Highly Conscious of Your Safety, and Give Wildlife Enough Space
The closures may impede rescues and other assistance from park staff, so be very cautious and strive for total self-sufficency if you enter a park or protected area. Additionally, wildlife can be particularly vulnerable during shutdowns. The lack of human presence might make wildlife more comfortable traveling through areas with a human-heavy presence. Give them a wide berth, as always, and ensure not to overfill trash cans as they may not be emptied during a shutdown period, creating dangerous situations for animals. Feeding wildlife can disrupt their natural behaviors, harm their health, and lead to the dangerous habit of wildlife becoming too comfortable in human presence.

When in doubt, use the thumb trick to ensure you’re not too close to wildlife.

Your personal responsibility in the outdoors is heightened when park resources are limited. Leave No Trace will continue to provide information as new developments unfold.

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Copyright Leave No Trace
Published October 1, 2025