Shutdown impacts outdoor recreat

Shutdown impacts outdoor recreation

October 1, 2013

Idaho Department of Fish and Game advises Idaho hunters, anglers, trappers, and wildlife watchers of the following information about federal land closures related to the federal government shutdown.

The Idaho Fish and Game is not authorized to enforce these federal closures. Idaho Fish and Game does not have information beyond that provided by federal press releases and through the www.usa.gov website.

Fish and Wildlife Service: National Wildlife Refuge lands and facilities are closed to public access as are federal hatcheries.

Bureau of Land Management: Non-developed BLM lands with no controlled access will remain open. Campgrounds, boat ramps, visitor centers and other developed recreation sites will be closed or posted as closed in areas where public access cannot practically be restricted. BLM is giving campground occupants 48 hours to vacate, with the area shut down as the last visitor leaves.

U.S. Forest Service: Non-developed lands without controlled access will remain open. Developed facilities are closed. Fire suppression, law enforcement and other activities essential to protect life and property will continue.

National Park Service: All national parks and NPS-managed lands are closed, with all park entrances closed and secured. While the national parks are closed, roads that serve as thruways will remain open. The Park Service is giving campground and lodging occupants 48 hours to vacate the premises.

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation: Recreation areas located on Reclamation land and water bodies may be directly managed by Reclamation, by another Federal agency, or by a non-Federal managing partner. Recreation areas managed directly by Reclamation, and which are funded through appropriations, will be closed and may include areas at American Falls, Black Canyon Reservoir, Little Wood Reservoir and Warm Springs Reservoir. Those which are not funded by appropriations will remain open. Decisions on whether areas managed by another Federal partner will remain open will be made by each Federal managing partner. Those recreation areas managed by a non-Federal partner will remain open at the discretion of the partner. To determine the status of any Bureau of Reclamation recreation area, please contact the local recreation area.