Trump allows hunting in National Wildlife Refuges despite shutdown

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washingtonn Post or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Despite the ongoing federal government shutdown, the Trump administration has directed the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to keep National Wildlife Refuges open for hunting activities
• This decision, issued via internal emails, allows all permitted hunts to proceed — even as most other refuge services, including visitor centers and educational programs, are suspended
• Many FWS staff remain furloughed or are working without pay to support hunting operations.

🔭 The context: The federal shutdown has suspended a wide array of government services, including EPA permitting, IRS helplines, and the full operations of many national parks
• Approximately two-thirds of the Fish and Wildlife Service workforce has been furloughed, including staff managing the 600-strong refuge network
• Historically, National Wildlife Refuges have been closed or operated at minimal capacity during shutdowns, but the administration has prioritized keeping hunting access available, prompting legal and ethical concerns

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Allowing hunting while halting critical conservation and education efforts raises significant questions about public land management priorities
• Essential habitat work — such as maintaining wetlands for migratory birds — is on hold, potentially endangering wildlife during key seasonal transitions
• Moreover, reduced oversight increases the risk of illegal hunting and environmental degradation
• This decision also underscores the fragility of conservation staffing and funding amid political instability

⏭️ What's next: Calls are growing for Congress to resolve the budget impasse and restore full funding to public land agencies
• Advocacy groups are pressing the administration to reinstate broader refuge services
• The disparity between support for hunting and suspension of educational and ecological programs is expected to feature prominently in upcoming policy debates over public land access, staffing levels, and resource equity

💬 One quote: “Why is it fair for there to be a hunt program, but then you can’t have an organized bird walk?” – Desirée Sorenson-Groves, President, National Wildlife Refuge Association

📈 One stat: FWS staffing has declined 30% over the past 15 years, with a further 20% cut under the Trump administration since January, according to the National Wildlife Refuge Association

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