Due to a lapse in federal appropriations, the federal government has shut down. The National Park Service has announced on their website: “National parks remain as accessible as possible during the federal government shutdown. However, some services may be limited or unavailable.” Additional information on National Park Service operations during the shutdown can be found here: www.doi.gov
Within Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, that means trails, roads, campsites, and picnic areas remain open. Vault toilets will be serviced at a minimum level.
Please note: At this time, Tekαkαpimək Contact Station is closed for the season two weeks early due to the shutdown. If this changes, we will update this site.
OUR EFFORTS, With your support
At the start of the shutdown, Friends entered a time-limited agreement with NPS to fund Tekαkαpimək operations in order to help prevent disruption to travel plans and sustain the economic benefits visitors bring to Katahdin region communities. Visitor safety was also a major consideration: the opportunity to consult with a ranger and receive information before traveling in the monument is critical at this new unit with limited wayfinding. Equally important, Tekαkαpimək was born from deep partnerships with the Wabanaki Nations; out of respect for those partnerships, we wanted to ensure continued access to the stories within Tekαkαpimək, on Indigenous People’s Day especially.
With our donation period completed and Tekαkαpimək closed, we once again are calling for a swift resolution to the shutdown, and an FY26 budget that secures full funding and staffing for the National Park Service. We continue to advocate on this front and invite you to, as well.
our request of visitors
For visitors exploring Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument during the shutdown, we urge extra attention to safety while staff and services are limited. As a reminder, monument roads are unpaved, there is no cell service, and there is no potable water within monument boundaries. Download the National Park Service app and set your park to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (offline setting) in advance of your trip.
Additionally, we ask visitors to minimize their impact while recreating, including packing in and packing out all trash, for the protection of this cherished natural resource we all want to see healthy and thriving.
We will continue to update this page as we learn how Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is impacted by this lapse in federal funding. Please note, NPS is unable to maintain its website or update communication channels during this time.
Thank you for your support and patience during this challenging time.
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Government Shutdown Impacts
Posted: October 2, 2025 by Brian Hinrichs
This page has been updated as of 10/16/2025.
Due to a lapse in federal appropriations, the federal government has shut down. The National Park Service has announced on their website: “National parks remain as accessible as possible during the federal government shutdown. However, some services may be limited or unavailable.” Additional information on National Park Service operations during the shutdown can be found here: www.doi.gov
Within Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, that means trails, roads, campsites, and picnic areas remain open. Vault toilets will be serviced at a minimum level.
Please note: At this time, Tekαkαpimək Contact Station is closed for the season two weeks early due to the shutdown. If this changes, we will update this site.
OUR EFFORTS, With your support
At the start of the shutdown, Friends entered a time-limited agreement with NPS to fund Tekαkαpimək operations in order to help prevent disruption to travel plans and sustain the economic benefits visitors bring to Katahdin region communities. Visitor safety was also a major consideration: the opportunity to consult with a ranger and receive information before traveling in the monument is critical at this new unit with limited wayfinding. Equally important, Tekαkαpimək was born from deep partnerships with the Wabanaki Nations; out of respect for those partnerships, we wanted to ensure continued access to the stories within Tekαkαpimək, on Indigenous People’s Day especially.
With our donation period completed and Tekαkαpimək closed, we once again are calling for a swift resolution to the shutdown, and an FY26 budget that secures full funding and staffing for the National Park Service. We continue to advocate on this front and invite you to, as well.
our request of visitors
For visitors exploring Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument during the shutdown, we urge extra attention to safety while staff and services are limited. As a reminder, monument roads are unpaved, there is no cell service, and there is no potable water within monument boundaries. Download the National Park Service app and set your park to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (offline setting) in advance of your trip.
Additionally, we ask visitors to minimize their impact while recreating, including packing in and packing out all trash, for the protection of this cherished natural resource we all want to see healthy and thriving.
The Katahdin Region is rich with recreation and education opportunities for visitors beyond the monument, from the Patten Lumbermen’s Museum to Penobscot River Trails to the New England Outdoor Center. Consider spending more time in our welcoming gateway communities during this period of limited operations at the monument. Learn more at DestinationKatahdin.org.
We will continue to update this page as we learn how Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is impacted by this lapse in federal funding. Please note, NPS is unable to maintain its website or update communication channels during this time.
Thank you for your support and patience during this challenging time.
Category: Park Updates, Trip Reports, Uncategorized Tags: government shutdown, katahdin woods and waters, national monument, national park service, tekakapimek