Government shutdown clouds Fleet Week, strains federal parks serving El Dorado County
Urgent: military displays may be scaled back and federal recreation sites could close or operate without staff — plan now for limited services.
By Cris Alarcon, For the El Dorado County News
PLACERVILLE, Calif. — Sept. 30, 2025
A looming federal government shutdown set to begin at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday threatens to alter high-profile military displays at California’s Fleet Week events and to curtail services at federal lands that serve El Dorado County visitors, officials and park advocates say. The impact will differ by agency: U.S. Navy participation in public events can be suspended, National Park Service sites may lock gates and furlough staff, and U.S. Forest Service recreation facilities could close or go unstaffed — while county-run parks will generally remain open.
Fleet Week: big attractions at risk
San Francisco Fleet Week and similar regional events depend heavily on Department of Defense assets — ships, sailors and demonstration teams such as the Blue Angels. Organizers say they are continuing preparations in coordination with the Navy, but a lapse in appropriations would legally limit DoD’s ability to send nonessential personnel and craft to public-relations events, potentially scaling back or eliminating the Blue Angels and some ship visits.
“Organizers are continuing preparations in coordination with the Navy,”
an event statement said, but added that the military’s final posture will depend on Department of Defense guidance once funding lapses.
A shutdown’s practical effects on Fleet Week go beyond aerial demonstrations. Civilian DoD employees who support logistics and safety may be furloughed, and last-minute changes to air show lineups and pier access could be announced if the Pentagon restricts participation. MilitaryTimes and other outlets have noted that DoD guidance often carves out only mission-essential personnel, leaving public-engagement activities vulnerable. Military Times+1
National parks and forests: gates, centers and staff
The Department of the Interior has prepared contingency actions for an appropriations lapse that could close gated park facilities and furlough the majority of park staff.
“Gates will be locked, visitor centers will be closed, and thousands of park rangers will be furloughed,”
the Interior Department said in guidance issued ahead of the funding lapse. That would leave many trails and overlooks physically accessible but largely unstaffed, increasing public-safety and resource-protection risks. U.S. Department of the Interior+1
The U.S. Forest Service likewise operates under contingency plans that designate emergency, law-enforcement and other “excepted” duties while furloughing nonessential recreation staff. Locally, Eldorado National Forest has posted its standard alerts and seasonal-closure notices; during a shutdown the forest could restrict access to visitor centers, fee booths and some campgrounds depending on staffing. Users should assume reduced services and check the forest’s alert page before travel.
What this means for El Dorado County visitors and businesses
El Dorado County’s park and trails system is funded and run locally, so county-managed parks are not directly closed by a federal funding lapse and will generally remain open under county management. Still, visitors who normally plan trips that combine county trails with federal lands — for example, hikes that start on county property and continue into the Eldorado National Forest or Lake Tahoe areas — could find restrooms locked, interpretive centers closed or fewer on-site rangers.
Local businesses that rely on federal-park tourism — lodges, guide services, restaurants and shuttle operators — may see fewer visitors if national or forest lands curtail services or lock gates, a pattern documented in previous shutdowns when gateway towns experienced drops in revenue. Park advocates and former superintendents have urged precaution, warning that leaving parks open without adequate staffing can drive vandalism and environmental damage. National Parks Conservation Association+1
What residents should do now
• Check official sources before you go: Fleet Week organizers and the Navy for air-show status; the National Park Service operating-status page and the Eldorado National Forest alerts for local closures.
• Assume limited services at federal sites: bring extra water and food, plan for closed restrooms and limited trash removal, and have a communication plan if cell service is spotty.
• If an event you planned to attend depends on military participation, verify directly with organizers and ticket vendors about refunds or schedule changes.
Voices
The National Parks Conservation Association urged caution.
“A government shutdown would leave our parks understaffed and vulnerable,”
the group said in a public statement urging closures where gates exist to prevent harm
A Fleet Week official told reporters organizers were coordinating closely with military partners but acknowledged uncertainty if the shutdown persists.
