(RALEIGH) -- As negotiations continue in Washington on a spending plan some folks are wondering how a government shutdown would impact various services. Margaret Metzger of the state Division of Tourism said contingency plans are being made regarding the operation of national parks in the Tar Heel State.

"There is a possibility that the federal parks here in North Carolina like the Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the National Seashore at Cape Hatteras would have to close access to the public to trails and beaches," said Metzger.

She added that whether parks stay open during a potential shutdown would be made on a case-by-case basis.