Updating: Joshua Tree National Park employees receive notice of potential "funding lapse" and temporary furlough

Joshua Tree National Park employees received an email from the Department of the Interior on Tuesday morning notifying them of a potential "funding lapse" due to the pending Federal Government shutdown. A source within Joshua Tree National Park that wishes to remain anonymous sent the email attachment to Z107.7. When asked how they felt about receiving the notice, our source stated that it was "discouraging to receive a letter like this. The tone of it is very political, and as an employee I would rather see clear, neutral guidance on what a shutdown means for our work and for the public we serve." "A shutdown doesn't just affect employees like me, it impacts visitors, local communities, and the broader trust people place in government services. I wish the focus were on stability and solutions, not blame. We just want to know that we can keep doing our work without interruption." The full text of the email can be read below, we've also attached the original screenshot. The links to the law and bill referenced in the email were added by Z107.7. A vote is expected by 5:00 p.m. EST, although the official deadline is 12:00 a.m. on October 1st, 2025. We'll keep you updated on the effects of the possible government shutdown as the deadline approaches. Our source inside they park says that they will be using the time leading up to the deadline to spend time with their family and reorganizing finances. This story is updating and we will continue to report as we learn more. What follows is the full email received by Joshua Tree National Park employees on 9/30/25: President Trump opposes a government shutdown, and strongly supports the enactment of H.R. 5371, which is a clean Continuing Resolution to fund the government through November 21, and already passed the U.S. House of Representatives. Unfortunately, Democrats are blocking this Continuing Resolution in the U.S. Senate due to unrelated policy demands. If Congressional Democrats maintain their current posture and refuse to pass a clean Continuing Resolution to keep the government funded before midnight on September 30, 2025, federal appropriated funding will lapse.A funding lapse will result in certain government activities ceasing due to a lack of appropriated funding. In addition, designated pre-notified employees of this agency would be temporarily furloughed. P.L. 116-1 would apply.The agency has contingency plans in place for executing an orderly shutdown of activities that would be affected by any lapse in appropriations forced by Congressional Democrats. Further information about those plans will be distributed should a lapse occur.