KNWR closed due to federal government lapse in appropriations

BONNERS FERRY - The Federal Government will be closed as current funding expired on Sept. 30, 2013. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is very much aware that any lapse in appropriations imposes hardships on those we serve. Due to this event, the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge will be closed to the public.

For programs experiencing a lapse in appropriated funding, only limited functions would continue, such as those necessary to respond to emergencies and to protect human life or property. While a lapse in appropriations remains in effect, public access to Service properties will be prohibited and fish and wildlife management activities and public programs will be canceled.  This includes all hunting and fishing activities on the Refuge.

Additional information is available at DOI.gov/shutdown and oneINTERIOR.gov, as well as at OPM.gov, which will contain information about the government’s operating status on Tuesday, Oct. 1, and the days following.