Fish and Wildlife Service cancels all Refuge Week events

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service cancels Refuge Week events at National Wildlife Refuges due to Federal Government lapse in appropriations

Because of the lapse in appropriations that has caused the federal government shutdown, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) today announced that all Refuge Week events at national wildlife refuges across the country are cancelled because the Service cannot meet the logistical requirements to support them. Refuge Week occurs annually from October 13 - 19.

Facilities and operations on refuges across the country remain shuttered as a result of the lapse in funding for the fiscal year that began October 1. The current lack of funding affects all activities on national wildlife refuges, including wildlife - related recreation , such as hunting, fishing , wildlife watching, hiking, boating, and conservation education.

Additional updates during the shut down will be available at www.doi.gov/shutdown.

Source: Press Release (10/16/2013) by Office of Communications, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service