Government Shutdown for the Birds at Montezuma

Oct 3, 2013 5:25 AM

Greg Cotterill

This is the time of year that thousands of birds are starting to migrate through the Finger Lakes and they like to rest at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge in Tyre.

The birds are the only visitors to the refuge. The Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is closed until further notice as a result of the federal government shut down. That means no bird watchers and hunters may have to wait as well.

The entrance road and access to all viewing areas and trails are closed. The Visitor Center and the Lodge are closed. Workers and volunteers are being told not to report to work until further notice. The shut down also means photographers may not operate under special use permits until further notice.

A motorcyclist pulls over Wednesday at the Montezuma Natonal Wildlife Refuge, but all roads into the refuge are blocked off. Photos by Greg Cotterill, Finger Lakes News Radio.

Unless the refuge reopens later today, the refuge will not be taking reservations for the planned waterfowl youth hunt. If it is still closed Oct. 12, the youth hunt will not be held. If the refuge is not open by Oct. 17, it will not be taking reservations for opening day.

Archery on the refuge is set to open Nov. 1.

Scheduled field trips for school groups are cancelled until the refuge reopens.

The nearby Montezuma Audubon Center and the Seneca Meadows Environmental Education Center –both operated by private organizations are still open and not affected by the government shut down.