October 31, 2025 – From Holly Knox
Hello partners (sorry for impersonal email blast),
As many of you are aware, GMNF staff have been working during the government shutdown to maintain recreation amenities. We could not do this without you and from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for being part of our incredible community.
Starting November 2, recreation staff will all be furloughed and unavailable. A few things to note:
- Both Chris Mattrick and Martina Barnes, our District Rangers, will continue to work. If you have a meeting with recreation staff that cannot be postponed and you need FS staff presence, please reach out to Chris or Martina to see if they are available to attend. They are CCd on this email.
- In agreement with our line officers, you may continue to volunteer/work on the National Forest if you would normally be doing so at this time. If you would normally use FS staff as your contact, please ensure a non-federal person is making sure you get out of the woods safely.
- I believe all bridge installations are complete for the year but, if this is incorrect, an engineer will need to do inspections. Dave Donahue (GMNF engineer) will be working on call – please alert Chris or Martina if you need Dave to inspect a project.
- All invoices that I have received have been approved and should process. Any invoices you send today until the shutdown ends will NOT be paid. I apologize and hope this does not impact many of you.
- Recreation sites/facilities will be open/closed by district staff as they normally would be at this time. Meaing if a toilet is typically unlocked this time of year, we will not be closing it due to shutdown.
Thank you for being supportive of our staff and public land. We are grateful.
Holly
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