That’s my interpretation too, just wondered if anyone had first-hand
knowledge…..
On Dec 31, 2018, at 2:52 PM, Alan Contreras <acontrer56@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Unless it is posted or gated, what’s the problem? It’s not an area that
normally requires any staff.
Alan Contreras
acontrer56@xxxxxxxxx <mailto:acontrer56@xxxxxxxxx>
Eugene, Oregon
www.alanlcontreras.com <http://www.alanlcontreras.com/>
http://osupress.oregonstate.edu/book/edge-of-awe ;
<http://osupress.oregonstate.edu/book/edge-of-awe>
On Dec 31, 2018, at 2:51 PM, Mary Garrard <springazure1@xxxxxxxxx
<mailto:springazure1@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
I’m wondering about the first paragraph ("where public access to refuge
lands does not require the presence of a federal employee or contractor,
activities on refuge lands will be allowed to continue on the same terms as
before”), and whether it permits, for example, walking in to the blind at
McFadden Marsh. It seems to me that the presence of a federal employee is
not necessary in that case, thus, allowed.
Any input?
Mary
On Dec 31, 2018, at 9:29 AM, clearwater@xxxxxxxx
<mailto:clearwater@xxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi all,
Trying to find some more information on the situation at Willamette Valley
refuges, I found this link:
https://www.fws.gov/home/National-Wildlife-Refuge-System-Closure-Determination-and-Notice.pdf
<https://www.fws.gov/home/National-Wildlife-Refuge-System-Closure-Determination-and-Notice.pdf>
which outlines shutdown policies. It states:
"... as of December 26, 2018, all units of the National Wildlife Refuge
System nationwide are closed to public visitation and use, subject to the
conditions and exceptions described below. This national closure
determination and notice is necessitated by a lapse in funds appropriated
by the United States Congress for the operation of the National Wildlife
Refuge System and will remain in effect until funding is restored."
The key conditions and exceptions relevant for local birders and other
members of the wildlife-viewing public would seem to be:
"2. Members of the public who are currently visiting certain units of the
National Wildlife Refuge System must vacate the refuge immediately.
However, where public access to refuge lands does not require the presence
of a federal employee or contractor, activities on refuge lands will be
allowed to continue on the same terms as before the appropriations lapse,
including any activities conducted under a previously issued permit."
....
"7. This closure determination and notice does not apply to roads that pass
through units of the National Wildlife Refuge System which provide primary
access between points located outside of the refuges. Members of the public
may continue to use those roads during the shutdown period. However, refuge
managers may not expend any appropriated funds to maintain or repair those
roads. Moreover, refuge managers may close those roads, or portions of
those roads ... if such closure is warranted by weather, poor road
conditions, or other circumstances."
The last paragraph would seem to apply to Bruce Rd. and McFarland Rd. at
Finley, Coville Rd. at Baskett Slough NWR, and Buena Vista Rd. at Ankeny
NWR. It might also apply to Finley (Refuge) Rd., though there's room for
interpretation.
Word last week was that someone dumped off a couch at McFadden Marsh.
Hopefully dumping incidents or other vandalism won't become common as the
shutdown drags on. If you do see things like this happening, please contact
local law enforcement.
--
Joel Geier
Camp Adair area north of Corvallis
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