St Marks Gov shut down

[konrad]

Based on the information I’ve read it looks like there is a 50/50 chance that the government is going to shut down this Friday / Sat. Last time this happened the St. Marks Refuge got closed too. If Government does shut down does this have an immediate effect on the refuge? In other words could it be closed this weekend or does it take a few before it goes into effect. I’m also curious if this will prolong the landing project.

[Scoop Sea]

Yes and Yes. The shutdown would have an effect on the Refuge as of Saturday morning and yes, this would prolong the landing project as Feds aren't allowed to have contractors working during the shutdown, unless it's an essential project, which the boat landing will not be considered (except to those of us in this neck of the woods). There will most likely still be Refuge Officers, but that will be about it. Only personnel considered "essential" will be allowed to work, air traffic controllers, law enforcement, etc, etc.

I really don't think either party wants the polticial ramifications of a shutdown, in turn, I suspect that a budget will be passed, be it just another "stop gap" budget or a full blown fiscal year budget. But, either way, like I said, this could amount to political suicide for those elected to office (even if it is the right thing to do...........).

[konrad]

Thanks Scoop Sea,

Let me present another question. A buddy of mine is a FWC officer in SF. He tells me that even though they are a state agency they enforce Federal fishery laws because that is where a lot of their funding comes from. Will they stop enforcing these laws if a government shutdown comes into effect?

[RED ZONE 48]

NO ! FWC will still enforce the law State and Federal it's what they do.

[konrad]

NO ! FWC will still enforce the law State and Federal it's what they do.

Good deal, I was hoping that would be the case.

[Jumptrout51]

NO ! FWC will still enforce the law State and Federal it's what they do.

Good deal, I was hoping that would be the case.

Yea! Sure you were.

[konrad]

NO ! FWC will still enforce the law State and Federal it's what they do.

Good deal, I was hoping that would be the case.

Yea! Sure you were.

Of course I am. If FWC stopped enforcing these Federal laws what do you think all the commercial guys, and for that matter most everyone else do. It would be open season to rape our natural resources. It would in turn be just the excuse the Fishery Management Council needs to impose more closers, something I assume we are all against.

[MudDucker]

Yes, most of the refuge services would shut down.

No, it would be financial suicide not to shut this government down unless we get this wacky budget cut WAY down!

[Tidedancer]

Yes, most of the refuge services would shut down.

No, it would be financial suicide not to shut this government down unless we get this wacky budget cut WAY down!

I'm with you Bro. Shut the damn thing down and get the Dems special projects thrown out. It's time!!!!

[fly n fish]

Just got this yesterday from Robin

There is the distinct possibility of federal government shutdown at
midnight Friday, April 8. If you hear Saturday morning before you come to
work that the budget has not been passed, please call me on my cell
850/294-0657 or Terry Peacock, 850/210-6405.

If the budget does not pass, here is what we've discussed for the weekend:

1)Visitor Center and all lighthouse road activities will be closed. Gate
will be padlocked just past toll booth. Saturday and Sunday.

1a)Panacea Unit fishing gates and Otter Lake Recreation Area will be closed
and gate padlocked.

2)Fishing Clinic - those of us signed up for Sat. April 9's clinic will be
doing the clinic as volunteers for the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation
Commission, not refuge staff.

3)U.S. Lighthouse Society tour scheduled for Sun. April 10 - James said
this will be cancelled.

4)Spring Turkey hunt - starts Tuesday - Sat. Possibly will be cancelled.

5)National Visitor Survey - cancelled - volunteers will not have access to
areas to collect information.


More info to come,

Robin

Robin M. Will
Supervisory Refuge Ranger
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
1255 Lighthouse Rd.
P.O. Box 68
St. Marks, Florida 32355

[Gulf Coast]

I mostly enjoy the refuge sights from the water so most of the closures won't affect me, but this thing really stinks !!!

[big bend gyrene]

I would say want I want to say but Tom might permanently block me.

So versus a curse-filled rant, let's just say that the dems had over 2 FULL years to put together a budget and completely punted the task away while our President made it a priority to fill out basketball brackets, shoot hoops, hold countless parties around the world, and play golf all the dang time.

That he then has the hubris to challenge the Repubs who brought a darn thorough (albeit necessarily painful) plan to the table to "act like adults" while his own party outspends revenue by 800% makes me so mad I could spit fire. Anybody want to be funny and correct that last one to read s#*t fire, go ahead... it applies too.

[MudDucker]

I would say want I want to say but Tom might permanently block me.

So versus a curse-filled rant, let's just say that the dems had over 2 FULL years to put together a budget and completely punted the task away while our President made it a priority to fill out basketball brackets, shoot hoops, hold countless parties around the world, and play golf all the dang time.

That he then has the hubris to challenge the Repubs who brought a darn thorough (albeit necessarily painful) plan to the table to "act like adults" while his own party outspends revenue by 800% makes me so mad I could spit fire. Anybody want to be funny and correct that last one to read s#*t fire, go ahead... it applies too.

You got an AMEN sir!

[Tom Keels]

What we could really use is an oil man who can clear brush from his ranch. Now watch this drive.

[Jumptrout51]

I am voting for Trump.
A Real Estate man should be able to get real estate moving again.
Move real estate and everything else will move with it.
That and he has already been all over the world and likes it here just fine.
He might even pull a Rick Scott....sell AF1 and use his own plane.
GO TRUMP.