Cuts in the federal budget could mean staff cuts at the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island.

More than 800 thousand people visited Ding Darling last year. It’s one of the top spots for birding in North America. But under a budget proposed by U. S. and Wildlife Service access to the Visitor’s center might be cut by two days a week – and staff reduced four by full-time positions. Ranger Kevin Goodsea says the proposed budget is a reflection of the times.

"federal budgets are tight right now – we have the war on terror the war in iraq – hurricane damages from Katrina – all of those things are putting an enormous stress on the federal budget right now"

Goodsea says no one will be fired – but that open staff position will not be filled. Outreach and education activities would also be reduced under the proposed budget. Under the proposed plan the Florida Panther and Ten Thousand Island National Wildlife refuges would also lose staff.