KOUNTZE, Texas — The ongoing federal government shutdown has forced the Big Thicket National Preserve in Hardin County to close its gates and furlough employees, leaving visitors turned away and raising concerns about economic fallout in the community.

The preserve, which drew more than 272,000 visitors last year and generated nearly $28 million for surrounding communities, is now shuttered indefinitely until a resolution is reached in Washington, D.C.

“When they left last night, they closed the gate and there’s no one here to open the gate, so the employees have been furloughed until further notice,” said Ellen Buchanan, president of the Big Thicket Natural Heritage Trust.

Buchanan’s group works to acquire and donate land to the preserve, but she said the shutdown has slowed down the

See Full Page