The federal government announced yesterday that all National Wildlife Refuges have been closed and all public access, public programs and fish and wildlife management operations on the refuges have been suspended until the government resumes operations. At this time it is not known when operations will recommence.
Michigan National Wildlife Refuges affected by this shutdown include Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge and the Detroit International Wildlife Refuge. Areas closed at the Detroit International Wildlife Refuge include Humbug Marsh, Gibraltar Bay Unit and all units open to hunting.
The Brancheau Unit of Estral Beach, a federal piece of land that is included in the DNR’s Pointe Mouillee State Managed Waterfowl Area for hunting, is also closed until further notice.
All State Game Areas and State Wildlife Areas are still open to hunting, including Pointe Mouillee.
U.S. Forest Service lands are still open for recreation although government facilities on those lands are closed.
Additional information is available at www.DOI.gov/shutdown
