The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be closing Boca Grande Key, Woman Key, and the Marquesas Keys in Key West National Wildlife Refuge from November 7-14, 2017.  All beach access will be closed to the public to protect wildlife and critical habitat from disturbance.   These islands are all part of the Federal Wilderness System.  Historically there has been extreme disturbance from boaters at this time of year in these areas and these closures aim to eliminate such impacts.  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service along with partnering agencies will have an increased law enforcement presence at these locations to enforce the temporary closures.  Anyone found violating these closures is subject to criminal prosecution by federal authorities and may be fined up to $5,000 and or six months imprisonment.

Authority for the Refuge Manager to create this closure in a National Wildlife Refuge can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations – Title 50 – Chapter I –Subchapter C – Part 25 – Subpart B – §25.21(e) and Title 50 – Chapter I –Subchapter C – Part 25 – Subpart C – §25.31.  These regulations can be found at www.ecfr.gov .

Reference maps of these areas can be on our Refuge website: http://www.fws.gov/nationalkeydeer/backcountry.html and on the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Marine Zones website: https://floridakeys.noaa.gov/fknms_map/welcome.html.

For more information, please contact Dan Clark at 305-872-2239 x209, and follow Refuge updates on our website and Facebook page: www.fws.gov/refuge/National_ Key_Deer_Refuge/

www.facebook.com/floridakeysrefuges 

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The National Wildlife Refuge System protects wildlife and wildlife habitat on more than 150 million acres of land and water from the Caribbean to the Pacific, Maine to Alaska.  Refuges also improve human health, provide outdoor recreation, and support local economies. Visit our home page at http://www.fws.gov/refuges/ .

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service.  For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov/.