Minnesota Anglers Who Need Licenses Advised To Buy Now

ST. PAUL (AP) - Anglers who still need fishing licenses for the holiday weekend are being advised to buy them by Thursday in case Minnesota state government shuts down over the ongoing budget impasse.

The Department of Natural Resources says it expects sales of all fishing, hunting and trapping licenses will be suspended in the event of a shutdown Friday. However, it says all regulations will remain in effect and will be enforced.

But the DNR anticipates that most of its services will not be operating, including state parks. Pending a settlement or other directions from the courts, all state park facilities are set to close at 4 p.m. Thursday.

National Forest Service campgrounds and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area would not be affected by a state government shutdown and will remain open.