I got an email from the director of the North Country Trail which stated that all trail work, maintenance, volunteer led trips etc must be canceled. Since the NCT is under the National Park Service all insurance and liability issues are not covered. I would imagine that other trail like the AT are subject to the same restrictions. There were several events and work days scheduled for the NCT so those are canceled or moved to non National Park areas. Sad, stupid and unnecessary.

My brother wrote an email to our representative who is one of the tea party darlings and he received an email back telling him that he was unable to reply due to the shutdown but he appreciated his input. It is very valuable to him.