Lapse in federal appropriations closes Potomac River National Wildlife Reserve complex

Local wildlife at the Potomac River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex—at Woodbridge, Lorton and Fairfax sites—will have to survive without the watchful eyes of the US Fish and Wildlife Service until the federal government’s funding of public services issues are resolved.

Thjis means Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck, Occoquan Bay, and Featherstone NWRs, are closed to the public since federal government funding expired on September 30, 2013. 

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 cancelled, according to a news release. For programs experiencing a lapse in appropriated funding, only limited functions such as those necessary to respond to emergencies and to protect human life or property will continue, the release said.

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 today and the days following.