Politics & Government

Sachuest Wildlife Refuge To Close If Federal Government Shutdown Occurs

The announcement came Friday afternoon in a prepared statement.

In the event that the U.S. federal government shuts down, will close to the public beginning at midnight on Friday, announced Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex Refuge Manager Charlie Vandemoer.

The shutdown would occur at all of the Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuges, he said in a prepared statement issued on Friday.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will close all national wildlife refuges, national fish hatcheries and service visitor centers and offices beginning at midnight on Friday, April 8 the statement continued.

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The federal government shutdown reportedly will occur if Congress fails to reach a budget agreement by midnight.

If the government shuts down, all non-essential employees will be furloughed and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service programs that operate on Congressionally appropriated funds are to be put on hold. While the shutdown remains in effect, public access to U.S. Fish and Wildlife properties will be prohibited and fish and wildlife management activities and public programs will be canceled, the announcement stated. This includes the purchasing of federal ducks stamps and nighttime fishing permits will not be available.

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The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Awards day scheduled for Saturday, April 9, 2011, has been postponed and will be rescheduled at a later time.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will have essential personnel in place to protect life and property. Once there is an approved budget, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife offices, refuge lands and visitor centers will reopen, the statement concluded. 

For more information, visit www.fws.gov.


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