With the potential shutdown of U.S. Government facilities and operations (i.e. U.S. Forest Service), there is a potential that Forest Service personnel will not be available to attend the Vegetation Committee meeting scheduled for  Oct 1, 2013, or other planned meetings in October, depending how long a potential shutdown might last, IF it occurs. I stress IF.

IF a shutdown is mandated by the U.S. administration, employees would be directed to report to work on Oct 1, 2013 and secure all government property and facilities. An then they would be instructed to go home. Only exempted employees like the Forest Supervisor and District Rangers would be onsite...but doors would be closed to the public...and no access would be allowed. So, the PFC meeting INSIDE the Council Ranger District Office would not be possible, since the building would be closed to the public IF a shutdown is mandated.

Offices will be open Monday Sept 30th. Hopefully we'll hear good news over the weekend. I will update the PFC on Monday (ASAP).  An alternate meeting place would be advisable.  All communication and news releases concerning a potential shutdown is being managed by the Washington Office, so the Payette can't really answer questions about the shutdown, because we are waiting to hear more as well.

I called Rick Tholen a few minutes ago to let him know, since he is the Vegetation Committee chair, and left a voicemail message. 

Regards,

George

George Panek

Natural Resource Staff Officer - Payette NF

800 W Lakeside Ave, McCall, ID 83638-3602

208-634-0707 , fax 208-634-0744, gpanek@fs.fed.us