|
The Shell Mound pier is open again. We are happy that the pier work was able to go forward despite all other Refuge projects being on hold due to the government shutdown. Independent contractors are allowed to work on the Refuge if their project was funded and the work started before the shutdown. A bit of pier history: the old dilapidated Shell Mound pier was completely rebuilt and opened in May 2024 but only four months later Hurricane Helene rolled through and caused enough damage that it had to be closed and repaired again. We hope this time this beautiful pier it will remain open for years to come. The photos above show the newly rebuilt pier in May 2024 and the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in September 2024.
The following events are postponed due to the Federal Government shutdown. Each event will be rescheduled as soon as possible and new dates will be posted. Friends will continue to support the Refuges as is permitted without violating the restrictions mandated by the government.  Post Halloween Bat Event The November 2, 2025 Bat House Event is postponed until further notice. Postponement is due to the government shutdown. The event will be rescheduled and notices of new date will be posted.  Refuge Manager of the Year Award Event The event to honor Andrew Gude's award on November 7, 2025 is postponed due to the government shutdown. It will be rescheduled as soon as possible and the new date will be posted. Combining the event with the Friends' Annual Meeting in February is being considered. Stay tuned:  Lower Suwannee & Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges Event is Postponed Until Further Notice 4:00 pm ARRIVE Arrive at Refuge Headquarters Off of State Road 347 16450 NW 31st PL, Chiefland, FL 32625 Bring chairs, snacks, hat, insect repellent No dogs please 4:45 pm PRESENTATION Shari Blisset-Clark of Florida Bats Conservancy will give a talk about bats and what to expect! 5:45 pm SUNSET Get Ready! Bats should emerge right after sunset at 5:45. Event will end around 6:30pm and the public will be required to depart the Refuge, hopefully with memories of a magical experience of nature at its 'bats'. ;)   Gates on the refuge will remain open during the government shutdown. Hunting and hiking activities are permitted. Operations staff are down to a single member providing essential services to care for the refuge and safeguard visitors, When queried whether Friends groups may continue to hold Friends sponsored events on Service lands, the guidance received was: "No, Friends may not hold events on Service lands when there is a lapse of appropriations." In accordance with the guidance received, Friends activities on the refuge will be curtailed for the duration of the shutdown. Find additional detail in the table below. 2025 Final Guidance for Non-federal employees. 10.1.2025
|
Friends of the Lower Suwannee & Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges
P. O. Box 532 Cedar Key, FL 32625 [email protected] We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. |
|