WASHINGTON, D.C.  – U.S. Senator Angus King released the following statement today after working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on an agreement that would not enforce the closure of the state-owned boat launch at Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge:

“After consulting with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service this morning, I am pleased to say that USFWS has agreed not to enforce the closure of the boat launch, which is a critical facility for local fishermen who rely on it for their jobs and livelihood,” Senator King said. “While not enforcing the closure is a welcomed decision, it is nonetheless a temporary fix, and Congress must vote to immediately end the shutdown and reopen vital facilities like this across the state and the nation.”

Due to the government shutdown, Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, like all national wildlife refuges across the country, is closed. All activities on the refuge, including hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, hiking, boating, and conservation education, are affected as a result and the closure has had a detrimental impact on area fishermen.

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