National Wildlife Refuges open gradually after end of government shutdown

17 Oct 2013

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services employees returned to work on October 17, 2013 after a statement from Sylvia Burwell, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, officially signaling the end of the United States federal government shutdown.

Now that the bill has passed the United States Senate and the House of Representatives, the President plans to sign it tonight and employees should expect to return to work in the morning. Employees should be checking the news and OPM's website for further updates.

Sally Jewell, Secretary of the Department of Interior, greeted returning employees in person.

Managers at National Wildlife Refuges across the nation spread the word on social media.

So glad to be back! Your national wildlife refuges are open again and eager to serve you. Some previously scheduled special events may have been postponed or cancelled by the shutdown. Call or check ahead: http://www.fws.gov/refuges/ -- USFWS National Wildlife Refuge System