Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
** The shutdown is a preview of Trump's vision for public lands
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Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Glacier National Park via Flickr ([link removed])
The ongoing government shutdown offers a preview of President Donald Trump's long-term vision for national public lands, according to a new analysis ([link removed]) from the Center for American Progress. The analysis compares policy changes enacted or proposed by the Trump administration to the impacts to national public lands during the current government shutdown. This comparison shows "striking similarities" between Trump administration policy goals and shutdown impacts.
For example, the Trump administration has sought to remove protections for national public lands. During the shutdown, many public lands facilities and access are closed, with services and other programs paused. The Trump administration has also pursued funding and staffing cuts for public land management agencies such as the National Park Service. By keeping national parks open with skeleton staffs, the Trump administration is accomplishing its goal of forcing land management agencies to do more with less, putting recreation opportunities and wildlife habitats at risk of irreparable damage.
"As the government shutdown drags on, the American public is understandably concerned about near-term effects on parks and public lands," writes Drew McConville ([link removed]) , author of the analysis. "These are not temporary concerns. Many of the shutdown’s impacts are a taste of the future that President Donald Trump is trying to cement for America’s public lands."
** Quick hits
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Government shutdown latest challenge for Glacier National Park, surrounding communities
Montana Free Press ([link removed])
As Trump moves to repeal Public Lands Rule, government shutdown shuts out public participation
Flathead Beacon ([link removed])
Lawmakers form new bipartisan Senate Stewardship Caucus
Daily Montanan ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])
Judge orders Forest Service to re-do forest plan over illegal road use in grizzly habitat
Courthouse News Service ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])
Utah is keeping its national parks open during shutdown, but some worry support may not last
Salt Lake Tribune ([link removed])
Court extends freeze on shutdown layoffs at Interior, other agencies
NPR ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed]) | Government Executive ([link removed])
Trump’s permitting for Arctic National Wildlife Refuge drilling is a test
Wes Siler's Newsletter ([link removed])
Opinion: Don’t let Trump’s fake ‘energy emergency’ harm Coloradans
Colorado Newsline ([link removed])
** Quote of the day
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” [The Bureau of Land Management's shutdown contingency plan] reveals a great deal about this administration’s values. Their special interest buddies in the oil and gas industries will be safe, but what about ensuring safe recreational access to public lands during hunting season? Not essential, apparently.”
—Frank Szollosi, Montana Wildlife Federation, Flathead Beacon ([link removed])
** Picture This
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@castateparks ([link removed])
Crisp air, golden leaves, and lower temps make fall weather perfect for hiking in California’s 280 gorgeous state parks 🍁
We want you to enjoy the fall season with us and make unforgettable memories. But we also want you to be safe while visiting, so make sure you:
🚰 Bring plenty of water (even in fall, it can get hot during the day)
🌧 Check the weather
🦌 Maintain your distance from wildlife
📍 Let someone know your route
🥾 Stick to open, designated trails
📱 Download our @OuterSpatial ([link removed]) app
More safety tips ➡️ parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips
(Photo from @cuyamacaranchosp ([link removed]) )
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