Meeks Cutoff

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- This year’s Academy Awards ceremony holds special interest for the Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife Refuge System.

Some critics are listing “Meeks Cutoff,” with scenes from Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon, as a possible Oscar contender.

“Meeks Cutoff,” starring Michelle Williams, Bruce Greenwood and Paul Dano, is about pioneers stranded on the Oregon Trail and was filmed from federal lands adjacent to the wildlife refuge.

Malheur Refuge manager Tim Bodeen knows why director Kelly Reichardt wanted to capture scenes of the refuge:

“We’re one of the nation’s great wild places where you can get wide open views of the natural environment,” he says. “And we have bountiful wildlife [including coyotes and mule deer] that people associate with historic America.”

Today’s visitors can hike, bike, fish and hunt on the refuge as well as see wildlife and tour the 19 th-century Sod House Ranch.

What are some of the better known refuge-linked movies? Besides “Meeks Cutoff,” there’s everything from a 1923 silent classic filmed at Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge in California to a 1971 B movie filmed at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia.

Okefenokee Refuge boasts about the refuge scenes in the 1971 film “Swamp Girl” and shows the movie to visitors. It does so even though the movie’s depiction of the swamp doesn’t match the refuge’s perspective, laughs refuge office assistant Judy Drury, who recalls the filming. It depicts, she says, “what everybody thought the swamp was – scary, bad, dreary, full of alligators and snakes – and not what it actually is. It’s so beautiful out there.”

Okefenokee Refuge is popular with paddlers, nature photographers, hunters and fishermen. Canoeists can follow water trails deep into the 354,000 acre wilderness, and visitors can tour a restored homestead to discover how “swampers” once made their home here.

In the case of the 1923 silent classic, director Cecil B. DeMille set up shop at or near what would later become Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Refuge to film his epic “The Ten Commandments.”

It’s “the only refuge that has an Egyptian city underneath,” jokes Fish and Wildlife Service senior writer/editor David Klinger. He’s not kidding entirely.

DeMille’s colossus of a movie built a lavish set to replicate the ancient City of Seti that boasted of “21 sphinxes, four 35-foot-tall statues of Ramses, and a commanding, awe-inspiring 110-foot-high set of massive city gates,” says Klinger. (The film won an Oscar for best visual effects.) When filming ended, the company simply dynamited the set, costumes and all, and buried them in the dunes. There they lay for decades until bits began resurfacing, exposed by wind and weather. Now, movie artifacts are on display where visitors can see them at the Dunes Center in nearby Guadalupe.

Refuge visitors can walk four miles across the beach to the refuge to see migrating waterfowl and shorebirds and coastal dune plants in bloom. The site is also a popular spot for surf fishing enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.

These days, commercial filmmakers work with refuge managers and need to obtain a special use permit to film on refuge lands. Rules posted by Merrit Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida show the kinds of concerns typically addressed – primarily those of compatibility with wildlife conservation and safeguarding refuge resources.

Klinger says that carefully chosen film projects can enhance the public’s view of refuges “as long as they do not harm the resource,” he says. “Our job is to protect refuges for the present and future.”

About:
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

Boone and Crockett Club

MISSOULA, Mont.--(Ammoland.com)- The Boone and Crockett Club has announced its support for changing the name of Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in Mississippi to the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in honor of the late director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Legislation to rename the refuge has passed the House of Representatives and Senate. The measure now awaits the signature of President Obama.

“Sam was an avid hunter and he approached conservation with a hunter’s sensibilities,” said Boone and Crockett Club President Ben B. Wallace. “He was part of the long, proud tradition of sportsmen leading America’s conservation movement. And he served that role–both professionally and personally–with great passion.”

Boone and Crockett founder Theodore Roosevelt and other early Club members were instrumental in establishing the National Wildlife Refuge System in 1903.

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said, “A native Mississippian, Sam Hamilton fell in love with conservation and fish and wildlife management when as a boy he learned how to band ducks and build waterfowl pens at Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge. I commend the House for recognizing Sam’s distinguished career and extraordinary contributions to wildlife conservation–and especially the National Wildlife Refuge System–by voting to rename this refuge, which was so close to his heart, in his honor.”

Hamilton was sworn in as the 15th director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in September 2009 and was serving in that capacity when he died suddenly of a heart attack last February.

A 30-year career employee of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hamilton had previously served in a variety of positions, including regional director of the Southeast Region, where he was instrumental in the extensive recovery and restoration efforts required following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the Interior Department’s restoration work in the Everglades.

Established in 1940, the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge is located within the three Mississippi counties of Noxubee, Oktibbeha and Winston. Its 42,500 acres of bottomland and upland woodlands provide essential habitat to the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, American alligator, bobcat, quail, white-tailed deer and wild turkeys. In addition, waterfowl including American widgeons, gadwalls, mallards and wood ducks annually winter on the refuge.

About the Boone and Crockett Club
Founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1887, the Boone and Crockett Club promotes guardianship and visionary management of big game and associated wildlife in North America. The Club maintains the highest standards of fair-chase sportsmanship and habitat stewardship. Member accomplishments include enlarging and protecting Yellowstone and establishing Glacier and Denali national parks, founding the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System, fostering the Pittman-Robertson and Lacey Acts, creating the Federal Duck Stamp program, and developing the cornerstones of modern game laws. The Boone and Crockett Club is headquartered in Missoula, Mont. For details, visit www.boone-crockett.org.

Long Island Refuge Complex Staff Credit: Jamie Weliver/USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Shirley, N.Y. –-(Ammoland.com)- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today dedicated the new Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex Visitor Center and Headquarters at Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge in Shirley.

The 13,000-square-foot center is located within an hour’s drive of New York City, and it will serve as a hub for visitors to the ten national wildlife refuges on Long Island. Service staff will move into the building by early December, and a grand opening event is planned for May 2012.

Design and construction of the “green” building was funded with nearly $9.8 million under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. It will serve the greater NYC metropolitan area and visitors to the area. The center features interactive exhibits, an environmental classroom with a wet lab, and a nature store run by the non-profit Friends of Wertheim.

Three miles of new trails originating at the building and two new viewing platforms along the Carmans River will be created before next spring, expanding the refuge’s trail system.

The 18-month project supported 120 jobs, most of which were construction subcontractors from Long Island.

“As part of its vision for the 21st century, the National Wildlife Refuge System is undertaking a new urban refuge initiative to better serve people who live in metropolitan areas, ” said Service Deputy Director Rowan Gould. “Facilities like this new center will be central to this effort.”

Gould also referenced the economic benefits that result from recreational uses on national wildlife refuges, citing that refuges generate more than $1.7 billion for local economies and create nearly 27,000 U.S. jobs annually.

“This outstanding new complex is the perfect gateway for residents and tourists seeking to enjoy Long Island’s world-class natural treasures,” said U.S. Congressman Tim Bishop (N.Y.). “With federal funding through the Recovery Act, this project employed local workers to build a facility that will enhance the experience of new and returning visitors to our community for many years to come.”

The center was built to meet the Gold-level certification criteria of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED.

It has a number of “green” features, including:

• - Water efficient features that will save about 26,000 gallons of water a year;
• - A geothermal system that reduces the use of fossil fuels for heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. This energy savings would be enough to heat three medium-sized houses and cool one house for a year; – Flooring made from recycled rubber from old tires and carpeting made of recycled materials;
• - Wood trim from plantation-grown trees, helping to preserve wild forests;
• - A solar photovoltaic system on the roof that will reduce the building’s power consumption.

A portion of the building will provide office space for Service staff and the Friends of Wertheim.

C&S Companies of Syracuse, N.Y., completed the architectural and engineering design for the building and grounds. T.G. Nickel & Associates, a Long Island company based in Ronkonkoma, N.Y., on Long Island was the general contractor. The building’s exhibits were designed and produced by Lyons and Zaremba, Inc. of Boston, Mass., and installed by Split Rock Studios, of Arden Hills, Minn.

The national wildlife refuges on Long Island provide nearly 6,500 acres of habitat for migratory birds, threatened and endangered species and other wildlife. From rare grasslands to maritime tidal areas, the habitats are rich and diverse. In addition to Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, other units include Amagansett, Conscience Point, Gardiners Point Island, Lido Beach, Elizabeth A. Morton, Oyster Bay, Sayville, Seatuck, and Target Rock national wildlife refuges.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

Connect with our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/usfwsnortheast, follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/usfwsnortheast, watch our YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at www.flickr.com/usfwsnortheast.

About:
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

Archery Trade Association

Indianapolis, IN --(Ammoland.com)- The connection between U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s national refuges and the ATA is growing stronger by the day.

To further enhance this 7-year-old partnership, the two organizations partnered with the Easton Sports Development Foundation and USA Archery (governing body of the Olympic Archery Committee) to hold an Archery Academy, Aug. 9-11,at the Service’s National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, W.Va.

“The ATA recognized years ago that the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is uniquely positioned to get kids off the couch and outside shooting arrows,” Mitch King, ATA government relations director said.

“Because it’s a federal agency, the Service reaches youths and families nationwide. No other agency or organization has such a well-established network of land, staff and programs to reach our nation’s young people and teach them skills for appreciating wildlife and natural resources.”

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

U.S. Fish and Wildlife employees from Wisconsin, Oregon, Arizona and Oklahoma attended the Archery Academy hosted for the Service’s staff and they’re already seeing benefits on refuges and hatcheries in their states.

To get a complete rundown of how this Academy has boosted archery in the Service’s public-outreach programs , check out this month’s ArrowTrade magazine where Pat Durkin delves into the issue and talks to people nationwide about the program and its benefits.

Archery Academy is made possible through an Easton Foundations grant to the ATA. The ATA regularly partners with agencies, schools, retailers, park-and-rec departments, and state and local organizations to expand archery opportunities for people of all ages and ability.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- Staycations are back, thanks to high pump prices and tight family budgets.

Luckily, relief from boredom is closer than you may have imagined, in often-dramatic natural settings: national wildlife refuges.

There’s a national wildlife refuge within an hour’s drive of most major American cities.

For families, national wildlife refuges are full of free or low-cost outdoor summer adventures from paddle trips and fishing rodeos to butterfly counts and scavenger hunts in the night sky. Spark wonder in kids, thrill to a seasonal wildlife spectacle or just enjoy a quiet walk or hike and an escape from the daily bustle.

The National Wildlife Refuge System, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is the premier system of public lands and waters set aside to conserve America’s fish, wildlife and plants. Recreational opportunities and activities for kids abound on national wildlife refuges. Some refuges also protect historic and cultural treasures, such as pueblo sites in New Mexico, ancient Native American burial mounds in Mississippi, segments of the Lewis and Clark Trail in Washington state, and lighthouses along the East Coast. (The Assateague Lighthouse on Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia is a popular tourist stop.)

Refuges are outdoor laboratories, teeming with chances to learn about habitat conservation.

What other out-of-the-ordinary things can you do on a national wildlife refuge? Here are three examples: Reserve a “wild ride” to view bison, prairie dogs and other wildlife at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge near Denver. The free two-hour tours head out Wednesdays and Saturdays year-round at 9:30 a.m. Reserve a boat tour to Lighthouse Island on Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge in South Carolina to see two historic lighthouses — plus wading birds and osprey. The $45 tour at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, August 21, is one of only four a year. To reserve, call 843-884-7684. Or rent a boat in nearby McClellanville and explore the island on your own. Explore Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge by bike. View birds along the 9-mile route, and learn about the restoration of the refuge’s salt pond landscape. The event is slated for Saturday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For reservations, call 510-792-0222 ext. 139. Rain will cancel the event.

To find a refuge near you, use the “Find Your Refuge” feature on the Refuge System homepage. See a list of highlighted summer events on refuges across the country. Or check the special events page accessible from the Refuge System homepage. Listings are chronological and updated regularly.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. Connect with our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/usfws, follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/usfwshq, watch our YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwshq.

Misinformed Anti Hunting Protesters fail to realize that Sportsmen fund almost all conservation efforts in the USA.

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- The lengthy battle over hunting access on dozens of units of the 100 million-acre National Wildlife Refuge system has ended—and hunters can declare VICTORY!

In April 2011, federal Judge James S. Gwin ruled for sportsmen across America by granting summary judgment in favor of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other defendants while denying a lawsuit aimed at closing hunting on National Wildlife Refuge System parcels.

After this ruling, an appeal process was opened, and the appeal clock began ticking. On Monday, that appeal period came to an end with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) failing to file any appeal.

“This long sought win is a great victory for hunters everywhere, and reinforces the process of keeping national wildlife refuges open for hunting, by hunters,” said Bill Horn, the US Sportsmen’s Alliance director of federal affairs.

This long-running case began in 2003, when the Fund for Animals, which later merged with the HSUS, filed a lawsuit to stop hunting on 39 refuges. The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation (USSAF), along with other organizations, intervened on behalf of sportsmen. Anti-hunting groups later expanded the lawsuit to nearly 60 refuges. USSAF defended this case for eight years, through many rounds of hard-fought and costly briefing, providing stability in the defense as the U.S. attorneys assigned to the case changed frequently over that time.

Judge Gwin’s April 2011 ruling stopped HSUS’ attempt at using the National Environmental Policy Act to close hunting on these refuges. In making the decision, the judge noted that “Plaintiffs, however, are not entitled to an inviolate sanctuary for their preferred uses – Congress has determined that, to the extent possible, hunters, fishers, observers, photographers, and educators must share the refuge.”

The 1997 Refuge Improvement Act, championed by the USSA, made hunting, fishing and other wildlife oriented activities priority uses on refuge units. The Act also mandated hunting and fishing activities be “facilitated”. Now, 14 years after passage of the Act, Judge Gwin’s ruling firmly rejects Plaintiffs’ attempt to “end run” the Act.

“The majority of national wildlife refuges were created to be open to hunting, and now hunters everywhere can continue to legally pursue their interests on these great public lands,” said Walter “Bud” Pidgeon, USSA president and CEO. “With the end of this prolonged battle, this solidly reaffirms that hunting is a priority use of refuge land wherever and whenever compatible with wildlife management.”

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Legal Defense Fund (SLDF), the legal arm of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation, has worked since the beginning of this case to defend the rights of hunters and has collaborated with other groups including Safari Club International (SCI). Together, the SLDF and SCI are co-counsels and also represent Ducks Unlimited, the National Rifle Association, Izaak Walton League, Delta Waterfowl Foundation, and California Waterfowl Association.

National Wildlife Refuges provide vast opportunities for hunters seeking waterfowl, big game, furbearers, and much more. Refuge hunting provides countless hours of public recreation while also helping maintaining optimal wildlife populations.

The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 empowered the Fish and Wildlife Service to open refuges to hunting when compatible with the purposes for which the refuges were established. Today, hunters can continue to enjoy these benefits thanks to this important win.

About USSA and USSAF: The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation watchdog efforts protect the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress, and through many public education programs. The USSA has more than 110,000 Sentry members that regularly receive information about conservation issues, and then actively work to promote and protect scientific conservation through calls and contacts. For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation and the Sentry program, call (614) 888-4868 or Visit www.ussportsmen.org.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife Refuge System turns 108 years old on March 14, 2011, and many National Wildlife Refuges will help celebrate the noteworthy occasion.

The nation’s premier system of public lands and waters set aside for the conservation of America’s fish, wildlife and plants was established in 1903 when President Theodore Roosevelt officially designated Florida’s Pelican Island as the nation’s first bird reservation.

Today, the Refuge System’s 553 national wildlife refuges and 38 wetland management districts support a diversity of wildlife including 700 species of birds, 200 mammals, 250 reptiles and amphibians, more than 1,000 species of fish and countless invertebrates and plants. Refuges help communities, too, by providing recreation, improving soil and water quality, reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires and boosting local economies. The Refuge System is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“Americans are privileged to have such an extensive system set aside for wildlife and their habitat,” says Greg Siekaniec, Chief of the National Wildlife Refuge System. “The Refuge System is both a national treasure and a reflection of the responsibility we share to protect habitat to meet the needs of wildlife for the continuing benefit of current and future generations.”

Scores of national wildlife refuges around the country will hold open houses and other public events in honor of the birthday. To find a local event, use the “Find Your Refuge” feature on the Refuge System homepage. Or go to the Visitors tab on the yellow bar at the top of the page, and click on Special Events in the pull-down menu. Click on “Display All Events.” The following celebrations are just a few of the many listed there:

• Attend the Refuge System Birthday Bash! Saturday, March 12, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.—Patuxent Research Refuge, MD See live animals close up and enjoy performances by Reptile World. Wildlife habitat tram tours and children’s activities and crafts are offered. Learn more about Patuxent Refuge.
• Open House in Honor of the Refuge System Birthday Saturday, March 12, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.—William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge, OR Take a free two-hour guided “behind the scenes” tour with the refuge manager at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Advance registration is required; call 541-757-7236. Take part in activities on prescribed fire, local wildlife and plants, law enforcement, wildlife photography and historic structures. Learn more about William L. Finley Refuge.
• Attend a Family Event in Honor of the Refuge System Anniversary Saturday, March 12, 1 to 4 p.m.—Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, LA An anniversary celebration, called “Walk Where the Wildlife Walks,” emphasizes refuge trails. Take a guided trail walk, try mystery geocaching or test yourself with challenge trail activities. Canoe the refuge’s expanded canoe loop trail. Learn more about Black Bayou Refuge.
• Attend a Birthday Event Saturday, March 12, 9 a.m. to noon—Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, NC Enjoy a free tram tour and learn why it’s important to preserve these and other public lands for generations to come. Learn more about Alligator River Refuge.
• Attend the 19th Annual Pelican Island Wildlife Festival Saturday, March 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.—Riverview Park, Sebastian, FL Enjoy exhibits, wildlife shows, boat tours to Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, live music and kids’ activities. Learn more about the festival. Learn more about Pelican Island Refuge.
• Attend a Birthday Celebration Saturday, March 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, UT Celebrate “Sense of Wonder Day” with movies and lectures, crafts and activities and outdoor family fun in honor of the Refuge System’s birthday and the work and life of Rachel Carson. Learn more about the events. Learn more about Bear River Refuge.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is to work with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

About:
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently released their updated hunting and fishing regulations which includes expanded hunting opportunities on a number of National Wildlife Refuge lands.

Published on January 21st, the rule ensures hunting and fishing remains open on numerous refuges.

In addition, the rule will open new hunting opportunities on the Caddo Lake Refuge (LA, TX). Also, expanded hunting opportunities will be available on the following:

• Modoc Refuge (CA);
• Cape May Refuge (NJ);
• Ft. Niobrara Refuge (NE);
• Deep Fork Refuge (OK);
• Bosque del Apache Refuge (NM); and
• Minnesota Valley Refuge (MN).

In 1997, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) pushed for changes in law ensuring that hunting and fishing were priority public uses on compatible Refuge lands. Through USSA’s leadership the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act was signed into law.

The language of the Refuge Improvement Act has been essential in opening new Refuge lands to sportsmen.

In opening the current set of new Refuge lands to hunting, the Service relied on this language to combat anti-hunting comments.

One commenter, opposed to hunting on the Refuges, claimed that allowing hunters onto the Refuge lands prevents non-hunters from using them when “the wildlife murderers are there shooting.”

In response, the Service noted that the Refuge Improvement Act stipulates that hunting is a “legitimate and priority general public use of a refuge and should be facilitated.”

“This new set of hunting opportunities on Refuge lands is a testament to the success of USSA’s work on the Refuge Improvement Act,” said Bud Pidgeon, USSA President and CEO. “The Act continues to expand hunting opportunities for sportsmen across the country.”

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers, and trappers. For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and its work, call (614) 888-4868 or visit its website, www.ussportsmen.org.

About:
The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. Visit www.ussportsmen.org.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

WICHITA, KS --(Ammoland.com)- Today, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar joined conservation leadership, elected officials and other partners to announce the creation of the more than 1 million-acre Flint Hills Legacy Conservation Area (FHLCA), a new unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

The Flint Hills Legacy Conservation Area is the product of efforts by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, private landowners, and other agencies and partners to protect a unique and highly diverse area in eastern Kansas known as the Flint Hills Tallgrass Region.

“Thanks to the tireless efforts of private landowners, stakeholders, state agencies, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the tallgrass prairies of the Flint Hills will forever be protected as a crown jewel of America’s Great Outdoors,” said Secretary Salazar.

“I am especially proud that the first new unit created under this Administration conserves working lands and recognizes the vital role farmers and ranchers play as stewards of our nation’s fish and wildlife resources. The Flint Hills Legacy Conservation Area will protect land, water, and wildlife while creating new opportunities for economic prosperity in the region.”

Today, less than 4 percent of the once-vast tallgrass prairie remains, of which nearly 80 percent lies within the Flint Hills of eastern Kansas and northeastern Oklahoma. The purpose of the Flint Hills Legacy Conservation Area is to help maintain the integrity of tallgrass prairie wildlife habitat, stream water quality, and the rich agricultural heritage of the Flint Hills by acquiring and protecting up to 1.1 million acres of habitat through voluntary, perpetual conservation easements. These conservation easements will protect habitat for more than 100 species of grassland birds and 500 plant species, and ensure the region’s sustainable ranching culture – which directly supports conservation of the tallgrass prairie – will continue.

Service conservation easements are binding legal agreements that typically prohibit subdivision and commercial development activities, but allow for continued agricultural uses such as livestock grazing and haying. Under conservation easements, land ownership and property rights, including control of public access, remain with participating landowners. In addition, participating properties would remain on local tax rolls.

“The Flint Hills has a strong and rich history of preserving the ranching heritage and the tallgrass prairie ecosystem. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s conservation easement program would provide a voluntary opportunity to preserve this heritage for future generations,” said Mike Collinge, a Flint Hills Rancher.

The project boundary includes almost 45,000 acres of existing conservation areas managed by The Nature Conservancy, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ranchland Trust of Kansas, (an affiliate of the Kansas Livestock Association), and Kansas Land Trust.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- National Wildlife Refuges Waive Fees for Veterans Day, November 11 National Wildlife Refuges are honoring U.S. veterans, active members of the U.S. armed forces and their families with a fee-free day for refuge visitors on Thursday, November 11.

There is at least one wildlife refuge in every state and one within an hour’s drive of most major cities – offering all Americans a welcoming, safe and accessible place to learn about and see wildlife, nourish their spirits and reconnect with America’s great outdoors.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

Both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, the Fish and Wildlife Service is known for its scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

About:
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- On many National Wildlife Refuges, spring means the return of visitors to water trails — and it’s no mystery why. Exploring a refuge by canoe or kayak combines adventure with physical activity and an intimacy with nature that’s hard to beat.

Whether you navigate on your own or take a guided trip, bring your own boat or rent one, many refuges make wonderful paddling destinations. Besides providing a close-up glimpse of shorebirds, mammals and other wildlife, refuges offer serenity, mapped water trails, and, sometimes, the option of multi-day camping excursions. The Refuge System boasts some 1,000 miles of marked water trails.

“When you’re in a canoe, you’re not as intimidating to wildlife,” said Nancy Brown, a public outreach specialist at the South Texas Refuge Complex, at the state’s southernmost tip, where guided canoe and kayak outings on the Rio Grande and the Laguna Madre are sellouts. A former Alaska kayak guide, Brown helped secure National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grants for the half-day interpreted paddle trips at the complex’s three National Wildlife Refuges: Santa Ana, Lower Rio Grande Valley and, as of last summer, Laguna Atascosa. “We’ve paddled right beneath hawks and past white-tailed deer. When you’re in a canoe, animals don’t appear to see you as a predator.”

A boat is a must for those who wish to explore the Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon where a marked canoe trail is open all year-round, as well as at the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, which crosses southern Georgia and northern Florida.

“The vast majority of the refuge you can see only by water,” said Blaine Eckberg, park ranger at Okefenokee Refuge. “Paddling lets you enter one of the largest wilderness areas east of Mississippi River, full of egrets, cranes and of course alligators. Mild temperatures and the lack of biting insects make spring the most popular paddling season.”

Two islands and seven raised platforms are available to paddlers who want to camp overnight in the swamp, as Eckberg recently did.

“You may hear alligators growling, but they’re not likely to bother you. They’re not interested in people.”

Over 42 million people visit refuges each year, generating almost $1.7 billion in sales for regional economies. In addition to wildlife observation, refuges provide rich opportunities for wildlife photography, hunting, fishing, environmental education and nature interpretation. For more information about all 551 National Wildlife Refuges, visit http://www.fws.gov/refuges/.

Here are just a few of the National Wildlife Refuges that are popular for outdoor water activities:

Northeast John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Pennsylvania The refuge’s 4.5 mile segment of Darby Creek winds through the largest freshwater tidal marsh in Pennsylvania before flowing into the Delaware River. See migratory birds including warblers, herons, egrets and sandpipers, as well as bald eagles, kingfishers and waterfowl. Enjoy great fishing along the way. Refuge waters are tidal and navigable only within two hours before and after high tide. Bring your own canoe or kayak. Download monthly tide charts on the refuge Web site and learn points of interest along a self-guided paddle tour. http://heinz.fws.gov

Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, Vermont Paddle past one of the most impressive great blue heron rookeries in the Northeast. Look also for bald eagles, ospreys, waterfowl and neotropical migratory birds of the silver maple floodplain forest. Take a map and have enough daylight or moonlight to find your way in the delta’s many channels. Canoe rentals are available nearby. http://www.fws.gov/northeast/missisquoi/

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Massachusetts Part of the Great Marsh, the largest continuous salt marsh north of Long Island Sound, the Parker River Refuge attracts hundreds of songbirds, shorebirds and waterfowl. Spring and fall are favorite paddling seasons because migratory birds are plentiful and mosquitoes and horseflies are not. Check tide times to avoid being stranded by low tide. Rentals are available in Newburyport. A paddling guide and map are available online. http://www.fws.gov/northeast/parkerriver/

Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, New Hampshire and Maine Paddlers can ogle moose, bald eagles, loons and other wildlife from along more than 10 miles of the Magalloway and Androscoggin Rivers, their backwaters and much of Umbagog Lake. Visit the refuge Web site for water route options. Canoe rentals are available nearby. http://www.fws.gov/northeast/lakeumbagog/

West Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada From June 15 to December 31, paddlers can explore a large freshwater emergent marsh and waterfowl nesting haven along a six-mile marked trail in Nevada’s high desert. For off-trail paddling, a GPS is recommended to navigate the maze of bulrush islands. A route map is available at refuge headquarters. Paddlers must provide their own watercraft. http://www.fws.gov/rubylake/

Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon The refuge, boasting some of the most scenic estuarine habitat along the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, offers guided summer interpretive trips for paddlers with their own canoes or kayaks. For scheduled dates and times, see the Web site. The refuge provides nursery grounds for coho and chinook salmon, steelhead and cutthroat trout. Paddlers may see ospreys, bald eagles and great blue herons, and hear many more birds along the willow-lined banks of the Siletz River. http://www.fws.gov/oregoncoast/siletzbay/

Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, California The Sacramento-area refuge offers free guided summer interpretive paddles along a secluded and normally closed slough lined with oaks and cottonwoods. Commonly sighted wildlife on the two-mile route include river otters, western pond turtles, Swainson’s hawks, great blue herons, belted kingfishers and wood ducks. For tour dates and times, visit the refuge Web site. http://www.fws.gov/stonelakes

Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon A boat is a must for exploring this refuge, whose freshwater marsh and open water harbor waterfowl, eagles, osprey and colonial nesting birds such as white pelicans and herons. The refuge has the most extensive marked canoe trail of the Klamath Basin Refuge Complex, made up of six refuges in northern California and southern Oregon. The Upper Klamath Refuge trail is open year-round, with boat rentals available from nearby concessions. A paddling brochure is available from refuge headquarters. http://www.fws.gov/klamathbasinrefuges/upperklamath/upperklamath.html

Middle Atlantic Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Maryland Paddlers armed with a water trail map (available for $5 from the Friends of Blackwater) can explore tidal marshes and brackish ponds for a closer look at bald eagles, ospreys, herons and muskrats. The refuge’s three paddling trails were named “Recommended Water Trails for 2006” by the American Canoe Association. Visit the refuge Web site for information on ordering maps. http://www.fws.gov/blackwater/

Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia Self-guided paddling along Mt. Landing Creek quickly leaves houses and other human structures behind. A map available at the launch site shows how to follow the creek to the Rappahannock River and onto the extensive Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, commemorating the voyages of the famed 17th-century explorer. Along the way, see eagles and marsh birds, cattails and wild rice. http://www.fws.gov/northeast/rappahannock/

South Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, North Carolina Paddling is perhaps the best way to see the refuge. You can explore 15 miles of color-coded water trails on your own or take a guided canoe trip on Pea Island (two hours, $25; three hours, $35) or Alligator River (three hours, $35). To reserve guided trips, contact 252-475-4180. http://www.fws.gov/alligatorriver/

Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, Florida At the northernmost part of the Everglades, Loxahatchee Refuge offers paddlers a close-up view of an endangered ecosystem and its resident alligators and other wetland species. Paddlers follow a clearly marked, self-guided 5 mile loop. Rentals are available. http://www.fws.gov/loxahatchee/

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, Texas Bring your binoculars and snorkel gear on this guided kayak trip ($30) of the lower Laguna Madre. http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/texas/STRC/laguna/Index_Laguna.html

Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Texas Guided half-day tours ($15) take paddlers over fossilized oyster reefs and under Altamira oriole nests. http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/texas/STRC/lrgv/Index_LRGV.html

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, southern Georgia and northern Florida This vast swamp, one of the country’s best-preserved freshwater systems, is home to alligators, sandhill cranes, red-cockaded woodpeckers, carnivorous plants and many other species. It also contains more than 120 miles of canoe trails. Call 912-496-3331 between the hours of 7:00 and 10:00 a.m. weekdays to request an overnight wilderness canoe permit. Requests can be made no more than two months in advance. Guided boat tours and boat rentals are also available. http://www.fws.gov/okefenokee/

Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, Florida Paddling the birthplace of the National Wildlife Refuge System offers visitors a chance to see manatees, herons, egrets and roseate spoonbills up close. Paddle on your own or enjoy a guided tour of the refuge and Indian River Lagoon. Reservations are recommended. Details on rentals and fees are available on the refuge Web site. http://www.fws.gov/pelicanisland/

Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, Texas Guided half-day tours ($20) on the last stretch of the Rio Grande before it empties into the Gulf of Mexico offer views of tropical birds found nowhere else in the continental United States. http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/texas/STRC/santaana/Index.html

Midwest J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota Paddlers can choose between a 5 ½-mile route and a 13-mile route along the Souris River, which winds 75 miles through the refuge. The river provides habitat for muskrats (you might even see an albino one), minks, weasels, American bitterns and ruddy ducks. Paddlers must have their own canoes or kayaks. http://www.fws.gov/jclarksalyer/

Seney National Wildlife Refuge Michigan The scenic Manistique River, which once carried thousands of logs to nearby sawmills, meanders through hardwoods, swamps and mixed pine forests in the southern portion of the refuge. Paddlers may spot mergansers, spotted sandpipers, mink, river otter and wood turtles. Canoes and river kayaks are available at nearby outfitters. See the Web site for details. http://www.fws.gov/midwest/seney/

Far North Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska Two extensive canoe routes offer day trips to weeklong or longer trips. The more heavily visited Swan Lake System route, about 60 miles long, contains 40 lakes linked by foot and water portages to the Moose River. The Swanson River System forms a strenuous 80-mile water route that connects 40 lakes and 46 miles of the Swanson River. Both systems offer excellent trout fishing and wildlife viewing for the hardy. Pack as lightweight as possible. Bring life jackets, hip waders and wilderness experience. http://kenai.fws.gov/

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Washington, DC - -(AmmoLand.com)-Valentine’s Day is a perfect time to fall in love with nature. Go outside to experience the excitement of a majestic bald eagle or the thrill of a bright red cardinal, whether in your own backyard or at one of America’s national wildlife refuges.

There is a national wildlife refuge or fish hatchery just an hour’s drive from most major metropolitan areas, and all are inviting portals to the natural world.

The Service’s “Let’s go Outside” Web site (www.fws.gov/letsgooutside) contains a wealth of information to help families connect with nature, including: · Electronic Valentines, in both English and Spanish, featuring bald eagles, red foxes and even turtles, that are great to send to friends and family.

• Fact sheets about numerous wildlife species, including bald eagles, moose, sea turtles and cardinals.
• Tips on how youngsters and their families can start observing wildlife.
• Links to maps and a special events calendar that can help families find places to go and see nature up close.

The following are just a few highlights:

Among the dozen or so national wildlife refuges where bald eagles are common is Klamath Basin Refuges (Tulelake, California, 530-667-2231, http://klamathbasinrefuges.fws.gov), which hosts the largest wintering concentration in the lower 48 states. In February, the refuge plays host to the nation’s oldest birding festival: the Bald Eagle Conference.

• Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (Cambridge, Maryland, 410-228-2692, http://blackwater.fws.gov/), winters more than 200 bald eagles and supports the Atlantic Coast’s largest nesting population north of Florida.
• Quivera National Wildlife Refuge (Stafford, Kansas, 620-486-2393, http://quivira.fws.gov) has two large salt marshes, and both are excellent places to look for wildlife. A photo blind, accessible to people with disabilities, sits at the trail head of the Migrant’s Mile walking trail near Park Smith Lake, while a second photo blind is available near the Little Salt Marsh. A 14-mile auto route goes through the heart of the refuge, giving visitors many chances to spot white-faced ibis, great blue herons, American avocets, wild turkey and even coyotes lurking about during the heat of the afternoon.
• Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge (Jefferson, Oregon, 503-588-2701, http://www.fws.gov/willamettevalley/ankeny). Many types of crops are grown on the refuge to provide winter browse for wintering waterfowl, but other species benefit from the bushy edges and hedgerows left around the farm fields. Red foxes feed in the fields but seek protection from predators among the thick growth on the edges.
• Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge (Naples, Florida, 239-353-8442, http://www.fws.gov/southeast/TenThousandIsland/). The 35,000-acre refuge is part of one of the largest expanses of mangrove estuary in North America and protects a rich diversity of native wildlife, including loggerhead, green and Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles. Manatees use refuge waters year-round. Boating and fishing are allowed on the refuge. The fishing in the tidal mangrove estuary is outstanding. The refuge, home to nearly 200 species of birds, including egrets, wood storks, tri-colored herons, swallow-tailed kites and peregrine falcons, is a mecca for bird watchers. Throughout the year, visitors can see river otters and bottle-nosed dolphins, among other wildlife.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Washington, DC --(AmmoLand.com)- Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced the launch of an extensive public service radio campaign urging Americans to connect with nature and visit a National Wildlife Refuge.

“Americans can take pride in the tremendous beauty and diversity of refuge lands dedicated to the protection of wildlife habitat,” Salazar said. “By visiting these places and encouraging their children to forge a connection with nature, they can help ensure vital wildlife conservation efforts will continue for generations to come.”

The public service radio campaign consists of eight professionally recorded 60-second spots extolling the sights and sounds of refuges and their efforts to preserve some of these species. Over 3,500 radio stations will receive the first four of these educational messages in November.

“This is another National Wildlife Refuge minute,” begins each segment, before moving to one of these four locales:

• “Every winter, thousands of sandhill cranes fly to Merced National Wildlife Refuge in California’s San Joaquin Valley. Thousands of acres of wetlands provide these cranes with a natural source for food and shelter. Maintaining these wetlands is crucial for their survival.”
• “Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in Florida is home to a myriad of species, but there’s one in particular for which it’s known: the West Indian manatee. Manatees inhabit these sheltered waters year-round, and Crystal River Refuge was created specifically for their protection.”
• “Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge is one of the biggest and most remote stretches of wildlife in the country, but that doesn’t stop the Fish and Wildlife Service’s research vessel Tiglax from exploring the refuge’s cold waters to count and monitor sea otters.”
• “In Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge in northern New Jersey that hammering sound could be only one thing: the pileated woodpecker in search of a meal. And maintaining healthy forests in the wildlife refuge helps the beat go on.”

The National Wildlife Refuge System, managed by the Service, represents the world’s premier system of public lands and waters set aside to conserve America’s fish, wildlife and plants.

Comprising hundreds of thousands of miles and landscapes ranging from southwest desert to Alaskan tundra and nearly every conceivable ecosystem in between, the Refuge System represents the last best hope for survival for many endangered and threatened species. These include the ocelot, manatee, spotted owl, California jewelflower and polar bear.

There are 550 refuges — one within an hour’s drive of most major cities — offering people a welcoming, safe and accessible place to nourish their spirits and reconnect with the land.

Wildlife refuges are home to more than 700 species of birds, 220 species of mammals, 250 reptile and amphibian species and more than 200 species of fish. Nearly 40 million people visit National Wildlife Refuges each year, generating almost $1.7 billion in sales for regional economies. In additional to wildlife observation, many refuges provide rich opportunities for hiking, canoeing, hunting and fishing.

To learn more about the National Wildlife Refuge System, visit http://www.fws.gov/refuges/. You can learn more about the endangered species that many refuges protect at http://www.fws.gov/endangered/.

About:
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Washington, DC --(AmmoLand.com)-What’s the most natural place to marvel at autumn’s show? A National Wildlife Refuge is hard to beat — and you can see for yourself during National Wildlife Refuge Week, October 12-18, 2009.

Whether you prefer to admire the fall colors, thrill to a skyful of migratory birds, explore a mountain trail or learn about the cultural resources that are part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s conservation mission, you can find what you like at a National Wildlife Refuge.

National Wildlife Refuge Week celebrates the richness of the 550 units that make up America’s National Wildlife Refuge System. And it’s a great opportunity to find an outdoor family event near where you live.

“President Teddy Roosevelt established tiny Pelican Island in Florida in 1903 as the first National Wildlife Refuge. Roosevelt’s mission was clear: protect Pelican Island’s birds from poachers and plume hunters,” said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. “And with that simple promise of wildlife protection, the National Wildlife Refuge System was born. It is my hope that citizens across the country will take advantage of this weeklong celebration to experience wildlife in their natural habitats and play a firsthand role in conservation by participating in special events and programs, or simply observing and enjoying the great outdoors at a local refuge.”

National Wildlife Refuges are dedicated to the conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats. They also offer a wide range of wildlife-dependent recreation — from fishing, boating, hunting and hiking — to wildlife observation and photography, nature interpretation and environmental education. The Refuge System includes more than 2,500 miles of land and water trails. There is at least one National Wildlife Refuge in every state and one within an hour’s drive of most major cities.

“If we’re serious about wanting to save the environment and the many wild things dependent on wild places, we can’t afford to have children growing up disconnected from nature,” said Sam Hamilton, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “Teaching children ways to enjoy the outdoors while respecting the chain of life that sustains the natural world is what National Wildlife Refuge Week is all about.”

This year, Refuge Week also focuses on the health of the world’s birds — especially those that depend on refuge lands and waters for nesting, foraging, wintering or as rest stops during their migrations. This past spring, a national report by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its partners under the U.S. North American Bird Conservation Initiative, credited conservation efforts over the past four decades with averting the extinctions of some previously threatened bird species, including the bald eagle and the peregrine falcon. However, the U.S. State of the Birds report noted major population drops for several other bird species, particularly those along the coasts and in the Hawaiian Islands. In the North, 38 percent of Arctic nesting birds are thought to be in decline. Threats to birds include climate change, loss of habitat and disease.

Meanwhile, the number of Americans enjoying birding as a hobby is on the rise. More than 40 million Americans feed wild birds at home or travel to see them, according to the Service’s National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. Many of the refuges in the United States were officially established as bird sanctuaries. Following recommendations offered by a panel of government and private industry birding experts convened by the Service, refuges are seeking out new ways to encourage and support birding activities.

Some refuges are erecting bird feeding stations and posting bird sighting updates on boards outside their visitor centers. Some are loaning binoculars and birding guides to visitors as well as offering tips on certain species. Others are providing scopes at popular bird viewing areas. Some are even installing computer stations that visitors can use to confirm and map bird sightings (with the help of photos and bird calls) and share their finds with other users, wherever they’re located.

This long-distance aspect is being joined by amateur radio enthusiasts who are also supporting Refuge Week by operating special event stations on a number of refuges. They will be communicating with other stations operating from other refuges as well as stations across the United States promoting refuges. Amateur radio operators must obtain permission from the refuge manager to operate within the boundaries of a national wildlife refuge. Interested licensed operators can find a registration form and more information at: http://www.nwrweek-radio.info.

National Wildlife Refuge Week Highlights From the end of September through the month of October, many events are planned in celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week. Here’s a sample:

National Bird Count – The Big Sit!
On Sunday, October 11, participate in the 15th annual Big Sit!, an international bird count. National Wildlife Refuges across the United States from Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge in Texas to Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge in Indiana are hosting a Big Sit!

Participants sit in a designated circle counting all the bird species seen or heard for 24 hours. Observers can work in shifts; they are not required to stay in the circle for the entire day. Observers can leave and return to the circle as frequently as desired, but they must return to the exact same circle.

Only birds seen from the circle can be included in the Big Sit! count. Bird Watcher’s Digest will conduct the final tally of birds and identify prize winners in several categories. To register your circle and find out more information on the Big Sit! go to: http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/funbirds/bigsit/bigsit.aspx.

More Events:

• Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota Saturday, September 26, Fall Festival: Enjoy educational programs and family activities. Photo contest winners will be displayed. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. For more information: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/tamarac or 218-847-2641.
• Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge Friday, October 2, Islands & Rivers of Life: A photo exhibit in Celebration of a Century of Conserving Alaska’s Wildlife & Wild Lands, 7:00 p.m., Wendy Williamson Auditorium, Anchorage. For more information: http://alaskamaritime.fws.gov or 907-226-4606.
• Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, Washington Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 1, Birdfest and Bluegrass Festival: Enjoy owl walks, sandhill crane sunrise tours, kayak tours, plus indoor and outdoor music jamming sessions. For more information: http://www.fws.gov/ridgefieldrefuges/ridgefield or 360-887-3883.
• Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana Saturday, October 17, Annual Fall Celebration: Enjoy family activities and free fried fish dinners. For more information: http://www.fws.gov/northlouisiana/blackbayoulake or 318-387-1114.
• Southeast Louisiana Refuges, Lacombe Saturday, October 17, Annual Wild Things Festival: Attend a festival showcasing eight National Wildlife Refuges. The festival features speakers, live animals, wildlife crafts, live entertainment, gardens and grounds tours. Children’s highlights include the Youth Wildlife Art Show, orienteering, decoy painting and nature crafts. Wild Things also features canoe and pontoon boat tours of Bayou Lacombe. For more information: http://www.fws.gov/southeastlouisiana or contact Byron Fortier at 985-882-2025.

For more information on National Wildlife Refuge Week events: http://www.fws.gov/refuges/SpecialEvents/FWS_SpecialEvents_Search.cfm.

For more information on a specific refuge: http://www.fws.gov/refuges/refugeLocatorMaps/index.html.

About:
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

Ducks Unlimited

RIDGELAND, Miss – Work on two National Wildlife Refuges within the Theodore Roosevelt NWR Complex begins this summer. Ducks Unlimited engineers have worked with refuge managers to prepare plans to enhance wetland habitat on Morgan Brake NWR and Panther Swamp NWR. The project is funded through a North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant and through a grant from the Walker Foundation.

“The project will restore and enhance 675 acres of moist soil and seasonally flooded agricultural lands on these two refuges,” DU Regional Engineer Billy Hill said. “We are working with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff in the development of these projects, and we look forward to seeing them completed.”

The work at Morgan Brake NWR in Holmes County will convert abandoned catfish ponds to moist soil units. Moist soil units are wetland areas managed to encourage growth of natural vegetation. Well-managed moist soil impoundments often produce 6 to 10 times the amount of food of other habitat types, and the foods provided meet all of the nutritional requirements of waterfowl during winter. The conversion will consist of redesigning existing levees and making improvements to the existing wells and underground irrigation system used to flood these impoundments.

The work on Panther Swamp NWR in Yazoo County will result in enhanced waterfowl habitat on the Lower Twist and Big Twist areas. Renovation of existing levees and construction of new ones will allow refuge staff to better control flooding of moist soil plants and agricultural crops for waterfowl.

Enormous acreages of wetland habitats have been lost in many critical migration areas, including the Mississippi River Alluvial Valley, and both of these refuges provide valuable wintering habitat for migratory waterfowl within the Mississippi Flyway.

Though the specific project sites are not open to hunting, both refuges do have areas where hunting is allowed. In fact, an additional 800 acres on Panther Swamp NWR will be opened to hunting this year that were previously off limits.

“With the number of waterfowl that migrate through this area, we want to offer hunters ample hunting opportunity while maintaining and improving waterfowl rest and food resources,” Sabrina Chandler, Panther Swamp NWR refuge manager, said. “The partnership that exists between DU and the USFWS demonstrates what can be accomplished to benefit waterfowl, wetland habitat, and sportsmen and women in Mississippi when everyone works together.”

About:
With more than a million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest and most effective wetland and waterfowl conservation organization with more than 12 million acres conserved. The United States alone has lost more than half of its original wetlands − nature’s most productive ecosystem − and continues to lose more than 80,000 wetland acres each year.