SANDERS COUNTY – With the government shutdown still going in full swing, the Plains/Thompson Falls Forest Service remains closed without any word of when they can begin operations again.

Due to lack of federal funding, the ranger district was forced to close their doors and employees have been placed on furlough until the new federal budget is established.

According to the United States Forest Service’s website, the lack of funding has put numerous business ventures on hold.

“Due to the lapse in agency funding, the sales of all types of permits are suspended,” states the website listing recreation, firewood, forest products and mineral materials as an example.

Reservations to national parks are also suspended and all federally owned recreation sites are closed.

The website does state that public safety announcements and updates on wildlife, floods and so forth will be made available.

“We will attempt to make timely updates about public health and safety on these web pages as appropriate. We sincerely regret this inconvenience,” the website reads.

Essential services will continue as usual and law enforcement and fire suppression will not be effected.

Forest personnel could not be reached for comment.