As of October 2, 2026, the federal government’s shutdown is affecting the National Park Service (NPS) and other agencies, including units of the George Washington Memorial Parkway like the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve.

The superintendent of the George Washington Memorial Parkway has informed us that as of October 6, the following are open and accessible:  the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve Haul Road Trail; the Belle Haven Marina road; the Belle Haven Marina; the road to the Belle Haven Park parking lots; and Belle Haven Park.

You can read the NPS’s September 2025 contingency plan here: https://www.doi.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2025-09/doi-nps-lapse-plan2025930508.pdf

The U.S. Park Police are excepted from the shutdown.