Wildlife Refuge Activities Suspended

Springville and Dover, TN – The US Fish and Wildlife Service today announced the suspension of operations at several refuge visitor centers and offices for Tennessee and Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuges (NWR), effective March 20, 2020.  Refuge offices will remain open, but will have limited exposure to the public.  The refuge lands, roads and areas will remain open to provide opportunities for recreation and relaxation.

The Tennessee NWR Visitor Center and headquarters is located at 1371 Wildlife Drive in Springville, TN; the Duck River subheadquarters office is located at 550 Refuge Lane in New Johnsonville, TN; the Cross Creeks NWR Visitor Center is located at 643 Wildlife Road in Dover, TN.

The health and safety of our visitors and employees at Tennessee and Cross Creeks NWR is our number one priority. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is working with the federal, state and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. A reopening date has not been determined at this time. We will notify the public when we reopen these sites and provide updates on our website at www.fws.gov/refuge/tennessee or www.fws.gov/refuge/cross_creeks and refuge Facebook pages.

Due to these closures, early spring activities and events are also cancelled or postponed including:

1. The Wild Edible Game Fundraiser set for March 28th has been postponed until September, but a date has not yet been determined.  Once the date has been set, anyone that cannot make that date will have their tickets refunded.
2. The Duck River Bottoms cleanup on April 4^th has been cancelled.
3. The Edible Mushroom program on April 11^th has been postponed until fall.  A new date has yet to be set.We urge our visitors to do their part when visiting Tennessee and Cross Creeks NWR and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.

   Updates about Service’s response to coronavirus will posted at https://www.fws.gov/home/public-health-update.html. Please check with individual refuges or facilities regarding the change of operations or postponement of events and programs.  For more information about these closures or change of operations please call the refuge headquarters at 731-642-2091.