Impending Federal Government Shutdown

Yesterday federal workers were notified that a partial shutdown of the U.S. government is impending. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has posted their Contingency Plan for a Potential Lapse in Appropriations. The plan includes what employees will continue to work, the closing of facilities, and law enforcement.

We suggest that you prepare for all facilities being closed and programs conducted by USFWS staff canceled. Friends, if your office supplies and other materials are on the refuge or hatchery site we suggest you make plans to get them off site before the close of business, Saturday, September 30th

What you can do now to prepare for the shutdown:

• Secure your equipment and materials in a location you can access.
• If your mail is sent to the Service-site, have it forwarded to an officer of your organization or make arrangements to pick it up at the post office.
• Develop alternative plans for any programs or activities you were planning to hold on a Service-managed site.
• Discourage your membership from visiting a closed site in order to protect the health and safety of the visitors, wildlife and the natural resources.
• Call your members of Congress and encourage them not to shutdown the federal government and if it happens urge them to resolve the budget stalemate quickly. Tell them the impact the shutdown is having on you, your organization, the site, and your community.

If you need assistance please message us at coalitionrefugefriends@gmail.com and we will try to get answers. We will provide updates on the shutdown as we get them on our Facebook group.