There is never a good time for a government shutdown, but as far as tourism goes the end of the fiscal calendar couldn't be worse. According to reporting from MPR, if the parties can't agree on the budget numbers and the state government does indeed close its doors, all state parks will close as well. From MPR and their shutdown FAQ:
Q: Will state parks close during a shutdown?
A: Unfortunately for all those summer vacationers, yes: The Department of Natural Resources has been alerting people with camping reservations that the parks will close at 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 30 if there's no budget agreement. The DNR is promising refunds to those who have reservations during a shutdown, MPR's Stephanie Hemphill reported.
The DNR anticipates that most employees will be laid off and that their website will be down. That means no licenses for fishing, hunting or boating.
It's possible that a handful of DNR employees, including those who maintain the state's hatcheries and fisheries, will not be laid off. Read more on the DNR's own FAQ page.
It's certainly coming down to the wire. According to the Star Tribune, the parties are meeting to avoid a shutdown, which would begin on Friday.
--Joel Schettler
Editor
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