The Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge in Springville, Fort Donelson National Battlefield in Dover and the Land Between the Lakes are affected by the partial federal government shutdown.
The lands will remain open, but offices will be closed and employees furloughed.
At the refuge, Joan Howe told WENK/WTPR Saturday morning, “The land will be open, but buildings will be closed. The US Fish and Wildlife Service said they had enough in reserves to keep things open this weekend. So the visitor center will be open today from 8-4.”
The refuge already was to be closed for the holiday Monday and Tuesday. After that, Howe said, “Then it will remain closed until shutdown is over. All personnel are furloughed except manager and law enforcement.”
During the shutdown of the federal government due to the lapse of appropriations, national parks will remain as accessible as possible while still following all applicable laws and procedures.
According to Fort Donelson Superintendent Brian McCutchen, park roads, lookouts, trails and open-air memorials at Fort Donelson National Battlefield, will remain accessible to visitors, but emergency and rescue services will be limited.
McCutchen said, “There will be no NPS-provided visitor services at Fort Donelson National Battlefield, including public information, restrooms, trash collection, and facilities and roads maintenance. Because of the federal government shutdown, NPS social media and websites are not being monitored or updated and may not reflect current conditions. All park programs have been canceled, including battlefield orientation at the Stewart County Visitor Center. Fort Donelson National Battlefield grounds and roads are open during normal operating hours, as is the Fort Donelson National Cemetery. For updates on the shutdown, please visit www.doi.gov/shutdown.
The same applies to the LBL.
During the partial shutdown, the websites and social media for the sites are shut down, with no updates to be posted.