Our Parks and the Government Shutdown (Episode 41)

Send us Fan MailThe US government shut down on October 1st, 2025. Parks stayed open — but the rangers, maintenance staff, and interpretive employees who make those parks safe and meaningful were furloughed.Retired park ranger John Goodwin returns to The Parks Podcast to share what changes during a shutdown, what happened last time parks stayed open without adequate staff (it wasn't good), and exactly how to recreate responsibly right now.In this episode: — What a shutdown actually means for parks — the 433 NPS units, not just the big ones — Who's furloughed and who stays: the difference between essential and non-essential employees — What happened to the parks last time — vandalism, archaeological theft, bear incidents, ecological damage — Why some people are calling for park closures — and why John understands the argument — Whether you should visit — and why that's a personal decision with real economic stakes for gateway communities — How to recreate responsibly: pack out trash, respect closures, stay on trails, know your limits — The second edition of Echoes of the Badge — more stories, now available — The political message: don't forget the parks when the shutdown endsLinks mentioned: — John / Lightning Ever: @lightningever — Echoes of the Badge (2nd ed.): available at major booksellersSupport the show