HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) - A protest was held Monday night in response to the Department of the Interior terminating probationary U.S. Fish and Wildlife employees, including those at the Hadley office. These recent cuts have sparked outrage and concern for the future of the department as well as the livelihoods of the affected employees. Dozens of protestors gathered near the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Northeast Regional Headquarters in Hadley after 36 probationary employees were let go. Many of the signs read, "Hands Off Hadley and "Save the USFWS." Hadley Fish and Wildlife office set to close in federal cuts "Those are the people who have been employed for less than a year, but they've been starting in new positions. They're usually the most enthusiastic people. They're coming in with new knowledge and new excitement, and they've been let go for no cause," said retired U.S. Fish and Wildlife employee David Perkins. It comes as the Office of Personnel Management continues to fire probationary employees as part of the Trump administration's efforts to cut wasteful spending. "This has been an organization that's been funded, and now suddenly that matters not at all. It's like it's illegal. And we're relying on justices to judges to hold the line on observing and the rule of law," expressed protest organizer and member of Indivisible Swing Left Western Mass., Marta Lev. The federal workers at this location oversee 79 wildlife refuges in 13 states from Maine to Virginia. But there's fear that this will worsen the refugee system's staffing crisis. Reports indicate that to hire new employees, the agency will be required to eliminate four current positions for every new hire. "Any reduction in forests here is going to have a significant impact on the lands that we want to preserve," added Lev. The organization protects endangered species, studies migratory birds from Maine to Puerto Rico, and distributes federal money to state wildlife refuges. A spokesperson for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service told 22News that they are implementing necessary reforms to ensure fiscal responsibility, operational efficiency, and government accountability. In a statement to 22News, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said, "While we do not comment on personnel matters, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service remains committed to fulfilling our mission of conserving fish, wildlife, and natural resources for the American people." The Hadley office is also expected to close on August 31st if not hindered. Local News Headlines Two arrested after gun shots reported near restricted area of Mt. Tom in Holyoke The impact of fentanyl crisis on one western Massachusetts city Springfield Police to conduct “park and walk” sweep in this neighborhood Two dogs returned after being stolen in Holyoke, three arrested WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. ...read more read less