usfws news release 10-1-13

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  • 7/27/2019 USFWS News Release 10-1-13

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    News ReleaseHawaiian and Pacific Islands Nat'l Wildlife Refuges300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 5-231Honolulu, Hawaii 96850808.792.9540http://www.fws.gov/pacificislandsrefuges

    Date : October 1, 2013 PR-01-14Contact: Barry Stieglitz by email barry_s [email protected]

    U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Suspends Operations Due toFederal Government Lapse in Appropriations

    Impacts to Pacific Islands National Wildlife Refuges

    Because of the shutdown of the federal government caused by the lapse in appropriations, the U.S. Fish and

    Wildlife Service will suspend most programs and operations, including public access to all National WildlifeRefuges and all activities on refuge lands including hunting and fishing. Specifically, in the Pacific, all 22 unitsof the National Wildlife Refuge System will be closed.

    Most noticeable to the local and visiting public is the closure of visitor centers at the Guam National WildlifeRefuge in Dededo, Klauea Point National Wildlife Refuge in Klauea, and Kelia Pond National Wildlife Refugein Khei. The Boardwalk at Kelia Pond National Wildlife Refuge in Khei will also be closed, along with therest of the refuges. Both National Wildlife Refuges in the Papahnaumokukea Marine National Monument Midway Atoll and Hawaiian Islandsare also closed, potentially impacting groups with permits to access therefuge islands later this week. Henderson Airfield will remain open to serve as a certified ETOPS site.

    An extended shutdown could affect special events scheduled for National Wildlife Refuge Week, October 13-19.

    Additional information about impacts to these events will be provided as necessary.

    Closing off public access to our national wildlife refuges and public lands is the last thing we want to do, but isconsistent with operations called for during a government shutdown said Director of the U.S. Fish and WildlifeService Dan Ashe. This is difficult news for the families, birdwatchers, hunters and anglers, and recreationistswho enjoy the great outdoors on the refugesas well as for the many local businesses who depend on the tourismand outdoor recreation economy they generate. I think its most difficult for the thousands of furloughed Serviceemployees who are impacted in carrying out their mission to protect our nations resources and providing for theirfamilies.

    Main impacts to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from the lapse in appropriated funding include:

    All 561 National wildlife refuges are closed to public access. Visitor centers and other buildings areclosed.

    The National Wildlife Refuge System hosts more than 46.5 million people per year, and generates morethan $342 million in local, county, state and federal tax income. Refuges also support more than 35,000

    private-sector jobs.

    All activities on federal lands and in public buildings are canceled. This includes hunting and fishingactivities on refuge lands.

    U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]
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    No permitting work or consultations will occur with respect to the Endangered Species Act, Bald andGolden Eagle Protection Act, the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species, the Lacey Act or the

    National Environmental Policy Act.

    The shutdown will affect more than 7,000 Service employees, who are furloughed until an appropriation

    is passed.

    Employees and others may not volunteer their services on behalf of Service functions or on federallands.

    Services and programs that will remain operational fall into the following exempted categories:

    Programs financed by sources other than annual appropriations.

    Activities expressly authorized by law.

    Activities necessary to protect life and property.

    Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration and Sport Fish Restoration.

    Natural Resource Damage Assessment Fund activities

    Refuge Law Enforcement emergency operations

    Firefighting emergency operations

    Care and feeding activities at hatcheries and captive breeding facilities.

    Because the website will not be maintained, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website will be down for theduration of the shutdown. Additional information will be available atwww.DOI.gov/shutdownas well as atOPM.gov, which will contain information about the governments operating status on Tuesday, Oct.1, 2013, andthe days following.

    The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish,

    wildli fe, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted

    partner in fish and wildli fe conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources,

    dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it

    happen, visitwww.fws.gov. Connect with our Facebook page atwww.facebook.com/usfws, follow our tweets at

    www.twitter.com/usfwshq, watch our YouTube Channel athttp://www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our

    Flick r page athttp://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwshq

    --FWS--

    http://www.doi.gov/shutdownhttp://www.doi.gov/shutdownhttp://www.doi.gov/shutdownhttp://www.doi.gov/shutdown