The federal government shutdown is already having an impact on one of the most cherished slices of Maine.

While open to the public, Acadia National Park is down to only staff deemed essential to the protection of the park and the health and safety of visitors.

Long-term impacts on Acadia were unclear on Wednesday. The U.S. Department of the Interior provides a contingency plan that acts as a guideline on how to navigate the shutdown. It notes that there are “dramatic differences” between sites across the nation, so how the guidelines are implemented may vary from park to park.

A spokesperson for Acadia National Park could not be reached on Wednesday.

State officials were also unclear about the broader impacts of the shutdown on Wednesday.

The Maine Department of Labor said the state has more than 10,000 federal employees, not including postal workers. But it’s unclear how many will be eligible for unemployment benefits.

Gov. Janet Mills said about 2,500 state workers are either funded entirely or partially by federal funding, but the federal administration had yet to send states shutdown guidance, as it has in years past.

IMMEDIATE IMPACT

Eric Stiles, president and CEO of the Friends of Acadia nonprofit, said the shutdown is “highly disruptive” to national park employees, visitors and the local economy.

“We urge Congress to pass a spending bill that fully funds national parks, lifts the hiring freeze, and restores park staffing levels,” Stiles said in a statement. “Parks across the country are already operating with 24% fewer staff members than in January.

“This is not sustainable.”

Acadia National Park is “down to a skeletal group” of employees considered essential to the park, said Everal Eaton, executive director of Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce.

“The park is open,” Eaton said, “but you might notice some changes.”

The U.S. Department of the Interior has provided a National Park Service Contingency Plan in preparation for the shutdown. However, it notes that every park is unique and the application of the guidelines may vary from park to park.

During a lapse in funding, “excepted activities” under the contingency plan include ones that “protect life, property, and public health and safety.” That includes emergency services and maintaining utilities. Some “visitor services” from restroom cleaning to trash collection may continue, according to the plan, and other roles could be retained in order to oversee these services, including some administrative, financial, and human resources positions.

Employees whose roles are considered “exempt” from the shutdown, or reliant on non-federal dollars, are expected to continue working for as long as those funds are available. Volunteer activities will continue, unless the “necessary oversight by NPS personnel cannot be provided,” the plan states.

Employees who do not fall under those categories are to be furloughed, the plan says.

But the plan notes that the status of furloughed employees can fluctuate, and some may be “subject to call back if a need arises.”

STILL A DESTINATION

Bar Harbor is expected to see an impact as it is “such a strong gateway to Acadia National Park,” said Eaton, the director of the chamber of commerce.

With essential services operational, Eaton considered it to be a “lighter” shutdown as things stood on Wednesday.

“Anytime something does happen like this, whether it is a lighter shutdown or a harder shutdown, it does scare people,” Eaton said. “It can make them reconsider their travel plans.”

The region is approaching peak foliage season, Eaton said, and there is plenty to do in Bar Harbor and the surrounding area this time of year.

Plus, Acadia National Park can still be part of visitors’ travel plans, but Eaton urges park visitors to be patient with those who are still working if they do encounter a lapse in services.

Planning ahead is also important. National parks should not use their websites or social media accounts unless there is an emergency, according to the contingency plan, and routine updates on trail conditions are not to be provided.

Staff Writer Randy Billings contributed to this report.