Refuge trails open, but be aware

The entrance sign at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge visitor center.

During the ongoing government shutdown, the refuge grounds and trails are still open to visitors.

However, please keep in mind that because staff is furloughed and volunteers are not allowed to work on the premises, facilities and services will be extremely limited.

The headquarters building and restrooms will be closed, there will be no trash removal or trail maintenance, e-mail accounts and phone messages can not be checked, and public programming will be canceled or postponed.

Please do enjoy hiking the trails, but be especially careful of your own safety and respectful of the environment. If possible, carry out your trash and pick up after others.

Unfortunately, it looks like this shutdown is going to last for a while.

We will keep you all posted on the status of any specific upcoming events as we learn more.

FINWR supports the programs and activities that go on at Iroquois NWR.

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