What happens to SNF and BWCAW if there is a govt shutdown? I am wondering about FS roads, boat launches, USFS campgrounds, dispersed camping and rustic campsites, etc. Is the BWCAW open under its seasonal rules after October 1 even if there’s a shutdown?

During past government shutdowns one of my favorite places, Sylvania Wilderness in the Ottawa NF in the Upper Peninsula, has been closed with its entrance blocked off.

People will continue to use them. Visitors centers will be closed, there may or not be any rangers around, and services like trash pickup and restroom maintenance will be suspended. Variations of 2013 and 2018/19.

Many USFS campgrounds are operated by private parties under contract.

Sort of handy that the permit change coincides with the fiscal year change.

Whether any rangers are on duty and available for emergencies depends on how many are declared excepted employees and under what conditions. Some excepted employees can only work for specific situations. Generally immediate impacts on life safety are considered in those decisions. But additional staff can be called back for unusual circumstances. So all of this depends on what the FS had decided for the BW. But I wouldn’t be surprised if the rangers are largely available only for search and rescue.

Tryin: "...there may or not be any rangers around..."

They're never around anyways.

About every time I have been to the BWCA I hear the Forest Service Beaver on patrol. They can cover much more ground than canoe rangers. This is a wilderness not a national park, you are expected and most of us want to be, self sufficient and prepared for the unexpected. When I have met rangers in the wilderness I have found them helpful friendly and knowledgeable, good stewards of the land.

deerfoot: "During past government shutdowns one of my favorite places, Sylvania Wilderness in the Ottawa NF in the Upper Peninsula, has been closed with its entrance blocked off."

As andym points out, the federal fiscal year starts each Oct 1st, which in I my case is convenient because that's when the USFS seasonally closes the entrance station for Sylvania. Since the entrance gate has been locked during previous shutdowns, I just go to a nearby resort and pay maybe $10 to park my car and portage/paddle into Sylvania.

Be careful what you admit to on a public forum.

During the 2013 shutdown, we went to Olympic National Park. The park entry roads were blocked off. At one entry station, a single non-furloughed park employee pulled up in a truck. We asked him about walking in. He said the "facilities are closed but access technically isn't." He said we could park outside the road blocks and walk in. He told us there were no resources to assist or rescue us and that we should get out before dark for our own safety and because backcountry camping required a permit and closed facilities meant no permits. We walked in a couple of miles to Rialto Beach, had it completely to ourselves and then walked out. I'm guessing the situation in a shutdown varies by the jurisdiction, the circumstances and by how the Dept of Interior weighs in on operational limits. Different parks, wilderness area and forests are likely different as to access.

The next day, we drove in at another entry and parked outside the entry gate, this time with 10 or more other cars already parked along the road. Hiking in for the day, we saw the note below at the entry gate.

It's really too bad another shutdown is looming. It's disruptive to taxpayers, keeps a lot of people from their work and pay and should be completely avoidable. Hope those wanting to visit the BW if there's a 2023 shutdown are able to lawfully and have a safe and happy time.

YaMarVa: "

Tryin: "...there may or not be any rangers around..."

They're never around anyways. "

Given the vast territory and their small numbers, I'd say they do a really fine job.

Frenchy19: "

YaMarVa: "

Tryin: "...there may or not be any rangers around..."

They're never around anyways. "

Given the vast territory and their small numbers, I'd say they do a really fine job. "

That's a totally different point that I was not making, I agree they do a great job. In 20+ trips over the last 17 years I've only seen a FS Ranger once within the BWCA. I'd prefer to see them much more.