Editor's note: This story appeared in both the Mountain Journal and Montana Free Press.

The federal shutdown that started Oct. 1 left large swaths of public land accessible but unstaffed as Congress fought over the 2026 budget. That temporary situation could become the new normal, according to plans published by the Trump administration.

On Oct. 2, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social about meeting with Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought to “determine which of the many Democrat Agencies, most of which are a political SCAM, he recommends be cut.” Those potential cuts would mean big changes across the public lands of Montana, Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain West.

For example, the Department of Interior is responsible for national parks, recreation areas and

See Full Page