The federal shutdown began on Tuesday and all activities are suspended. National Wildlife Refuges, parks, Bureau of Land Management administered lands and national forests will be closed to public access, leaving open only areas that are necessary to respond to emergencies and to protect human life on property. Essential services are running without a budget.
The unprecedented closure or holding public lands hostage is being held up by the House of Republicans. This has happened once before in November 14-19 1995 and December 16-Janurary 6 1996, during President Clinton versus the Republican Congress, ending with a win for the President after public opinion turned on the Republicans and Republican Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich.
Government shutdown forces fishing on the ocean closed
Georgia DNR is posting Wildlife Resources Division Properties are business as usual, meaning state-funded properties are not closed due to government shutdown, and are still open to fishing and all scheduled activities. Visit Georgia DNR Contact, if you have any questions about Georgia state run properties for fishing.
Shutting ramps and parks
Not only are the fishing areas closed but barricades have been put in place across ramps and parking lots to make sure no one tries to launch their boats or does any bank fishing. The government shutdown is keeping fishing guides from accessing the right to earn income.
In all instances federal employees are not allowed to volunteer their services
National Park Plans for shutdown
“All park visitors will be asked to leave the park immediately, and camp ground and lodging users will be asked to make the necessary arrangements to exit the park as soon as possible. Park road access and ramp usage will be denied to protect the integrity of the park and for the safety of the people.”
U.S Forest Service site is down until further notice.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, “is closing all fishing and hunting on public lands, along with all services and buildings. No work or protection will occur with respect to the Endangered Species Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species, the lacy Act of the national Environment Policy Act. Any care, feeding, or breeding at the fisheries and any stocking will be stopped”
BLM lands, “all activities will be halted except law enforcement and emergency response and they will be operating without pay."
Any cancellations due to shutdown will receive full refunds if you do not wish to reschedule after shutdown.
It’s a tragic state of affairs, an embarrassment to national integrity and completely undemocratic. The government promised no fishing would be closed and here it is.
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