In response to guidance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Seney National Wildlife Refuge is announcing modifications to operations to support federal, state and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

At Seney National Wildlife Refuge, the following services and operations will be suspended until further notice in order to comply with the Michigan state health guidance:

— Visitor center operations will remain closed

— All public events scheduled for the month of May are cancelled

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers and partners at Seney National Wildlife Refuge is our number one priority. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working service-wide with federal, state and local authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates on our website and social media channels.

Outdoor spaces at Seney National Wildlife Refuge remain accessible to the public in accordance with the latest federal, state and local health guidance, including:

— More than 10 miles of foot paths are open for hiking

— Many miles of backcountry roads are open for hiking or bicycling

— The Marshland Wildlife Drive will open on May 15

— The fishing loop and designated pools will be open for fishing starting May 15

Maps and regulations can be found on our website. Access to outdoor areas may close if conditions change.

If contemplating a visit to a national wildlife refuge during this pandemic, we ask visitors to adhere to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local public health authorities to protect visitors and employees. As services are limited, we urge visitors to continue to practice Leave No Trace principles, including pack-in and pack-out, to keep outdoor spaces safer and healthier.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1935 as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. It is located in the east-central portion of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, halfway between Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. The 95,238 acre refuge encompasses the 25,150 acre Seney Wilderness Area, which contains the Strangmoor Bog National Natural Landmark.

Get the latest about U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service operations nationwide.