If there is a shutdown of the federal government, national parks would have to close their doors.

That includes the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge and the Women's Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls.

Andrea Van Beusichem, the visitor services manager at the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge, says the park has a contingency plan in place in case of a shutdown.  However, they hope they never have to use it because this is one of the best times of the year to be at the park.

"Visitors wouldn't be able to come in and experience the wonderful migration that's going on, or the eagle nesting that's happening," says Van Beusichem.  "We can't open our gates during the government shutdown."

Bird watchers say they would hate to see the park temporarily closed.

"It's a shame that would happen," says John Fox, who goes to the park to bird watch every few weeks.  "There are so many people that use this area.  It's one of the best birding areas in the country."

Park workers say people come from all over the United States and even other countries to study wildlife at the refuge.  If a shutdown occurs, workers would go to the park at their normal time and close the visitor center and other areas accessible to the public.

The Women's Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls would also have to shut down.

Lee Werst, who works at the park, says the visitor center would close, and there wouldn't be any tours or ranger services. 

"The parks, especially a historical park like this one, I kind of look at it as being the soul of the nation," says Werst.  "It actually tells you the story of why is country is here and how it's developed."

Werst says there are no major events planned in April.  The summer is the busiest season for them.