The federal shutdown that began Wednesday closed government offices in Clark County and created uncertainty for thousands of federal workers here.

Clark County has about 3,700 federal workers , according to Washington’s Employment Security Department. These employees monitor the region’s volcanoes, manage the power grid, and work in the area’s forests and national parks. Employees deemed to be essential will continue to work while others are facing furloughs.

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site employees are currently out of office on furlough, and the visitor center is closed to the public. U.S. Geological Survey employees who are considered nonessential will also be furloughed.

The Bonneville Power Administration, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation are in close

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