Assateague State Park Busy With Island’s Federal Side Closed By Shutdown

ASSATEAGUE — A perfect storm of sorts, including the closure of the Assateague Island National Seashore this week due to the federal government shutdown, ideal summer-like conditions and the Seagull Century bicycle tour set for Saturday, have conspired to create some confusion at the popular barrier island this week, but the Assateague State Park remains open albeit with a few caveats.

When the clock struck midnight on Monday without any progress on the impasse over the federal spending plan, driven largely by the divide over Obamacare, the federal government began a shutdown early Tuesday, including the closure of the Assateague Island National Seashore. Late Monday, Assateague Island National Seashore officials were already planning for the pending shutdown and by Tuesday morning, barriers and interactive signs warned visitors the federal park’s public facilities would remain closed until further notice. AINS Chief of Interpretation and Education Rachelle Daigneault said late Monday the federal side of the island had already begun preparations for the shutdown.
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