By the time this article goes to press, the longest federal government shutdown in US history will have finally ended, but the damage has already been done. Due to the lengthy shutdown – coupled with the challenging lack of water this year – there simply is not enough time remaining, nor enough resources during this season for refuge staff to ready Bosque del Apache for the incoming migratory birds and for an influx of visitors as well.
Accordingly, and with great reluctance, Friends of Bosque del Apache was forced to cancel this year’s Festival of the Cranes, which would have been our 36th. Whatever time remains upon the return of refuge staff will be dedicated to preparing the refuge for the needs of wildlife, particularly migratory waterfowl. This preparation includes such tasks as mowing, flooding moist soil units for feeding, and flooding wetlands for roosting, all of which were neglected over the course of the last six or so weeks. As you can imagine, these tasks take several weeks and sometimes even months to complete.
You will not be surprised to learn that the fall/winter period, particularly November and December, is our busiest time of year for fundraising, both through direct donations and through sales in our Nature Store. Naturally, both avenues have already been negatively impacted greatly by the shutdown (during which the Nature Store has also been closed, as it resides inside a federal building). Now add to that trauma the cancellation of Festival of the Cranes, which routinely attracts over 1,000 visitors each year and is one of Friends’ biggest fundraisers. Furthermore, there will be a reduction in Bosque del Apache’s commercial value to Socorro County (and to New Mexico) – estimated at some $17 million annually. Clearly, the cost of this government shutdown to Bosque del Apache and the neighboring communities has been extensive!
We will keep you updated on our plans to mitigate the impact of Festival’s cancellation, but in the meantime, you can continue to support us by becoming a monthly member of theOASIS, doing your holiday shopping at the online Nature Store, purchasing tickets for our annual quilt raffle, and by regularly advocating to your legislators about the irreplicable and immeasurable value of our public lands.
Looking forward, Bosque del Apache is already seeing the impact of increasing temperatures, decreasing federal funding and unreliable water supply. This will inevitably place greater responsibility on the Friends organization to help assure the future wellbeing of the refuge with its priceless flora and fauna.
Once the shutdown is over, we will work with the refuge team to assess the damage and focus our respective resources on meeting top priorities. Secondarily, we will work towards ensuring the best possible visitation experience. We are also working with a coalition of non-profits, New Mexico Tech, and our funders to maximize our advocacy impact, wherever it will make a positive difference.
It’s never been more important for us to collectively gain strength from our shared love of this magical place. Equally, your support for Friends and the refuge has never been so important, whether as a donor, a volunteer, or an advocate. Together we must preserve this delicate and irreplaceable ecosystem now and for generations to come.