PHOENIX -- The Arizona Game and Fish Commission met today (Oct. 4) in a public session to receive an update on federal closures of certain lands and facilities due to the current federal government shutdown. Some of these closures restrict citizens' access to hunting and fishing recreation and negatively impact rural economies.

The commission voted to authorize the department to approach federal land management agencies for the purpose of discussing the possibility of using Arizona Game and Fish Department resources to maintain hunting and fishing access to certain now-closed federal lands or facilities.

The formal motion approved by the commission was as follows:

That the Commission authorize the Department to offer to enter into discussions with appropriate federal land management agencies about providing Department manpower and services for the purpose of maintaining essential access to or through federal key sites and facilities for the purpose of maintaining hunting and fishing access for our citizens. The Department will monitor any associated costs and will report to the Commission should those costs become of concern.

Earlier in the week, the commission voted to direct the department to approach the National Park Service to discuss the possibility of offering resources to maintain public access at Lees Ferry. As of this time, the department has received no response to its letter to the National Park Service director.

Despite the federal government shutdown, there are still many hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreational opportunities available in Arizona, and outdoor recreationists are encouraged to get outside and take advantage of them. For information on some of the opportunities, click here.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD's programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Director's Office, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Director's Office as listed above.