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2008 News Releases
Region 3's news releases are organized in reverse chronological order starting with the current month. A brief synopsis of each release is included here. Click on the news release title for a full text version. For news releases issued prior to those available here, visit the national website and use the searchable database to obtain the Region's archived releases through 1991.
May
May 2, 2008
Pendills Creek National Fish Hatchery Closed to Public for Raceway Construction
The Pendills Creek National Fish Hatchery in Brimley, Mich., will be closed to the public for extensive renovation May 1 to November 15, 2008. The hatchery will receive 16 new rearing units or “raceways” to replace the original units that were constructed in the 1950s. The raceways will average 30 inches deep and each set of four units will be spaced far enough apart to allow for Service vehicles to drive between. These rearing units will be used to produce more than 1.2 million fish each year.
May 2, 2008
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service expects to release by July 2008 a draft economic analysis that will estimate the potential costs for conservation actions associated with the proposal to revise the amount of critical habitat designated under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for the federally threatened Canada lynx. At that time, the Service will also reopen the public comment period on the proposed revised critical habitat rule. The new 30-day comment period will give interested parties an opportunity to comment on the draft economic analysis as well as provide information pertinent to the critical habitat proposal.
May 2, 2008
Genoa National Fish Hatchery Receives Funding
for New Outdoor ClassroomThe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that the Genoa National Fish Hatchery in Genoa, Wisconsin, will receive more than $95,000 as part of the National Fish Hatchery System Volunteer Act of 2006, to apply toward the construction of a new outdoor education classroom.
May 2, 2008
Clean Vessel Act Grant Program Awards More Than $700,000 to Five Midwest States
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director H. Dale Hall announced that more than $700,000 from the Clean Vessel Act (CVA) grant program will be awarded to five states in the Midwest region in 2008. The grant program awarded a total of more than $13.6 million to 27 states across the nation. The grants will fund the construction and installation of sewage pumpout facilities, floating restrooms and pumpout boats in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Funding will also create recreational boating education programs across the region.
April
April 28, 2008
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Reviews Status of
Threatened Lake Erie Watersnake; Seeks Public InputInformation on Lake Erie watersnakes is needed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as the agency conducts a review of the rare snake’s status required under the Endangered Species Act.
April 28, 2008
Missouri Youth wins 3rd Place in National Junior Duck Stamp Contest
The Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge announce Rebekah Nastav 17 of Amoret, Missouri won third place in the 2008 National Junior Duck Contest. The judging occurred on Thursday April 17th, at the San Diego Zoo. Rebekah’s artwork of a hooded merganser entitled “Evening Swim” is featured on the website http://www.fws.gov/juniorduck/. With third place Rebekah won $2,000. In 2006 Rebekah won first place in the national competition when she was only 15. Due to rules of the contest she was unable to compete in 2007.
April 24, 2008
Final Recreation Regulations Published for
Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish RefugeThe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today published a final rule in the Federal Register to implement general recreation actions in the approved Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for the 240,000-acre Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.
April 23, 2008
Ducks Respond to Changes in Upper Miss Refuge’s Closed Area System
Migrating ducks, geese and swans were provided more resting and feeding areas, combined with less human disturbance, during their stop-over on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge during the fall of 2007.
April 17, 2008
Public Meeting Scheduled to Discuss Canada Lynx Habitat
The U.S. and Wildlife Service is hosting a public meeting on Wednesday, April 23, 2008, at 7 p.m. in Bloomington to discuss the proposal to designate critical habitat for the Canada lynx, a federally threatened species. The meeting will be at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge visitors' center at 3815 American Boulevard East in Bloomington.
April 15, 2008
A draft plan to assess the damage to fish, wildlife, and habitat from dioxins, furans and other harmful chemicals released into the Tittabawassee River is available for public review and comment. A public meeting to present information regarding the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Plan for the Tittabawassee River System Assessment Area will be held on April 17, 2008 in the Great Hall B at the Best Western Valley Plaza Inn, 5221 Bay City Road, Midland, Michigan, starting at 7pm.
April 10, 2008
Friends of Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge
Named 2008 Refuge Friends Group of the YearThe nonprofit group Friends of Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge was honored as the National Wildlife Refuge Association’s 2008 Refuge Friends Group of the Year at a ceremony held recently in West Virginia.
April 9, 2008
Smoke from Prescribed Fires is a Sign of Spring in Minnesota
From early April through mid-June, as weather conditions safely allow, professional fire crews and specialized equipment from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington, Minn., will conduct prescribed burns to improve wildlife habitat and reduce the threat of wildfire on federally managed Refuge lands and Waterfowl Production Areas (WPA) in nine counties, including the Metro area.
April 8, 2008
Litchfiield Wetland Management District to Begin Spring Prescribed Burning Season
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Litchfield Wetland Management District (WMD) will soon begin its annual prescribed burn program on Waterfowl Production Areas located within Kandiyohi, Meeker, McLeod, Wright, Renville, Stearns and Todd Counties.
April 2, 2008
Prescribed Fire Season Will Begin Soon in St. Croix, Polk and Dunn Counties
Returning birds and melting snow are sure signs of spring in the Midwest. Natural resource professionals are also preparing for another spring ritual, the start of the prescribed fire season. From early April to mid June, staff at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s St. Croix Wetland Management District in New Richmond, Wis., will be mobilizing crews of firefighters and equipment for scheduled burns at 20 Waterfowl Production Areas (WPA) in St. Croix, Polk and Dunn Counties.
April 2, 2008
A proposed Safe Harbor Agreement to conserve the endangered Hine’s emerald dragonfly in DuPage County, Illinois, has been released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for comment. The draft was developed by the DuPage County Forest Preserve District for conservation measures at the Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve.
April 1, 2008
Missouri Junior Duck Stamp Judging to Occur in Columbia on April 3
The Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge will host the judging of the Missouri Junior Duck stamp contest on Thursday April 3rd at the Richard Schoettger Conference Building in Columbia, Missouri. The Conference Building is located at the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center at 4200 New Haven Rd. Judging will get underway at 10:00 am and continue until 2:00 p.m.
March
March 31, 2008
Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne today announced nearly $4.5 million in federal grants to support neotropical migratory bird conservation in the United States, Canada, Mexico and many Latin American and Caribbean countries.
March 31, 2008
Fergus Falls Wetland District Manager Kevin Brennan
Named 2008 Refuge Manager of the YearKevin Brennan, manager of the Fergus Falls (MN) Wetland Management District was honored as the National Wildlife Refuge Association’s 2008 Refuge Manager of the Year at a ceremony held March 27 in Phoenix, Ariz.
March 31, 2008
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Recovering from Flood Damage
Visitors asked to use caution and contact the Visitor Center for the latest informationCrab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, located in southern Illinois, received wide-spread damage as a result of the rain and flooding much of the region has been coping with for the past several weeks. Many of the Refuge’s boat launches, docks, roads, trails, campgrounds, picnic areas and restroom facilities received some type of damage.
March 28, 2008
Two Minnesota Men Receive Fish and Wildlife Service
2007 Recovery Champion AwardsTwo Minnesota residents are among 16 national recipients of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's 2007 National Recovery Champion awards, announced today by Service Director Dale Hall. The Recovery Champion award recognizes outstanding contributions of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees and their partners toward efforts aimed at recovering threatened and endangered species in the United States.
March 27, 2008
Midwest Wetlands Projects Receive Nearly $4 Million in Federal Funding
The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission recently approved more than $29 million in federal funding for protection and management of nearly 190,000 acres of wetlands and associated habitats in the United States to benefit ducks and other waterfowl under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA).
March 26, 2008
The Midwest has a long tradition of wildlife conservation, waterfowl hunting and arts appreciation. These traditions will come together this October as Minnesota plays host—for the first time ever—to the Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest, sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
March 24, 2008
California Man Sentenced in Blue River Outfitters
Commercial Guiding InvestigationLos Angeles, California— Joshua J. Whittaker, 34, of Corona, Calif., pled guilty in federal court in Los Angeles today to one felony charge of violating the federal Lacey Act. The charge is a result of his involvement in illegal trophy deer hunting in Wisconsin. U.S. District Court Judge Audrey B. Collins sentenced Whittaker to pay a fine of $5,000 and serve one month of home confinement. Judge Collins placed Whittaker on probation for two years, during which he cannot hunt or fish anywhere in the United States. In addition, Whittaker was ordered to pay $8,000 in restitution to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, for his involvement in the illegal killing of four white-tailed deer.
March 24, 2008
Smoke from Prescribed Fires is a Healthy Sign of Spring in Wisconsin
Beginning in early April and continuing until mid-June, fire crews and specialized equipment from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Leopold Wetland Management District in Portage, Wis., will assemble at federally managed waterfowl production areas (WPA) to safely set prescribed fires that will restore and improve wildlife habitat while reducing the risks of wild fires on 30 WPAs in 12 counties across south-central Wisconsin.
March 24, 2008
Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne has announced more than $6.2 million in grants will go to 38 Native American projects in 18 states to fund a wide range of conservation projects nationwide.
March 20, 2008
Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne today announced more than $57.9 million in grants to 23 states and one territory to support conservation planning and acquisition of vital habitat for threatened and endangered fish, wildlife and plants. The grants, awarded through the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund, will benefit numerous species ranging from the red-cockaded woodpecker to the Lake Erie watersnake.
March 19, 2008
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Will Study Coaster Brook Trout
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has found that a petition to list the coaster brook trout as endangered provides substantial information, prompting a status review of this form of brook trout found only in the Great Lakes and its tributaries.
March 13, 2008
In an effort to promote a healthy lifestyle among the American public, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is encouraging kids and adults to get outdoors and connect with nature. The Service’s new initiative, “Connecting People with Nature,” incorporates natural resource conservation, environmental quality and human health. With a simple, yet catchy slogan, “Let’s Go Outside!” the Service will encourage urban dwellers and non-traditional conservation audiences to explore the 97-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System and the nation’s many other natural resources.
March 4, 2008
After spending the last 10 years helping visitors understand some of our Nation’s most cherished places, newly hired Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge Park Ranger Kisti Thiel is excited about the opportunity to help Detroit-area residents learn about what she hopes will become one of their most cherished places: the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.
February
February 28, 2008
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Regional Director Robyn Thorson will present Neil Rettig with the Silver Eagle Award – the highest award given to non-Service employees in the Midwest.
February 28, 2008
Revised Critical Habitat Proposed for Canada Lynx
Revision Includes Additional Areas in MinnesotaThe U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service today proposed to revise the amount of critical habitat designated under the Endangered Species Act for the federally threatened Canada lynx. In total, the Service is proposing to designate approximately 42,753 square miles of habitat in portions of northern Maine, northeastern Minnesota, the Northern Rocky Mountains (northwestern Montana and northeastern Idaho), the Northern Cascades (north-central Washington), and the Greater Yellowstone Area (southwestern Montana and northwestern Wyoming).
February 22, 2008
Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne has announced the distribution of more than $700 million to 56 state and territorial fish and wildlife agencies to fund fish and wildlife conservation efforts, boat access, shooting ranges and hunter education. Kempthorne made the announcement at the Bassmasters Classic professional fishing tournament in Greenville, S.C.
February 22, 2008
Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne has announced the distribution of more than $700 million to 56 state and territorial fish and wildlife agencies to fund fish and wildlife conservation efforts, boat access, shooting ranges and hunter education. Kempthorne made the announcement at the Bassmasters Classic professional fishing tournament in Greenville, S.C.
February 22, 2008
Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne has announced the distribution of more than $700 million to 56 state and territorial fish and wildlife agencies to fund fish and wildlife conservation efforts, boat access, shooting ranges and hunter education. Kempthorne made the announcement at the Bassmasters Classic professional fishing tournament in Greenville, S.C.
February 22, 2008
Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne has announced the distribution of more than $700 million to 56 state and territorial fish and wildlife agencies to fund fish and wildlife conservation efforts, boat access, shooting ranges and hunter education. Kempthorne made the announcement at the Bassmasters Classic professional fishing tournament in Greenville, S.C.
February 22, 2008
Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne has announced the distribution of more than $700 million to 56 state and territorial fish and wildlife agencies to fund fish and wildlife conservation efforts, boat access, shooting ranges and hunter education. Kempthorne made the announcement at the Bassmasters Classic professional fishing tournament in Greenville, S.C.
February 22, 2008
Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne has announced the distribution of more than $700 million to 56 state and territorial fish and wildlife agencies to fund fish and wildlife conservation efforts, boat access, shooting ranges and hunter education. Kempthorne made the announcement at the Bassmasters Classic professional fishing tournament in Greenville, S.C.
February 22, 2008
Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne has announced the distribution of more than $700 million to 56 state and territorial fish and wildlife agencies to fund fish and wildlife conservation efforts, boat access, shooting ranges and hunter education. Kempthorne made the announcement at the Bassmasters Classic professional fishing tournament in Greenville, S.C.
February 22, 2008
Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne has announced the distribution of more than $700 million to 56 state and territorial fish and wildlife agencies to fund fish and wildlife conservation efforts, boat access, shooting ranges and hunter education. Kempthorne made the announcement at the Bassmasters Classic professional fishing tournament in Greenville, S.C.
February 19, 2008
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking comment on a draft habitat conservation plan for the endangered Karner blue butterfly, developed by the State of Michigan as part of an application for a 20-year incidental take permit. The application by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources provides conservation measures for the endangered Karner blue butterfly on non-federal lands within the State of Michigan
February 19, 2008
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking pre-proposals for projects to restore Great Lakes fish and wildlife resources through its Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Grants Program.
February 15, 2008
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the removal of two dams on Crooked Creek, located in the Town of Troy, Walworth County, Wis.
February 13, 2008
Wisconsin Receives $765,000 Grant to Improve
Recreational Boating Infrastructure in Green BaySecretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne today announced that more than $13.5 million in competitive grants will be awarded to 15 states from California to Rhode Island for 19 boating infrastructure projects. The grants, which will help fund construction of docks, boat slips and other facilities to support recreational boating, are made available through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program.
February 13, 2008
Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne today announced that more than $13.5 million in competitive grants will be awarded to 15 states ranging from California to Rhode Island for 19 boating infrastructure projects. The grants, which will help fund construction of docks, boat slips and other facilities to support recreational boating, are made available through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program.
February 5, 2008
New Manager Reports for Duty at
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife RefugeCharlie Blair, a 30-year veteran of the U. S Fish and Wildlife Service has reported for duty as the new manager of Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, headquartered in Bloomington, Minn.
February 4 , 2008
Tennessee Attorney Pleads Guilty to Illegally Killing
Trophy White-Tailed Deer in IllinoisAllen W. Blevins, 41, of Knoxville, Tenn., pleaded guilty today in federal court to illegally killing and transporting white-tailed deer, a misdemeanor violation of the Lacey Act, a federal wildlife protection law. Blevins admitted to illegally killing three deer while he was employed as a guide at Hadley Creek Outfitters, a business located in Pike County, Illinois, and agreed to forfeiture of three illegally-taken deer head mounts.
January
January 28 , 2008
Genoa Icon Receives Award from Upper Mississippi River
National Wildlife and Fish RefugeByron Clements of Genoa, Wis., received the River Guardian Award from the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge at a ceremony held January 26.
January 24 , 2008
The 2008 Wisconsin Waterfowl Hunters Conference
Wisconsin waterfowl hunters are invited to attend the Sixth Annual Wisconsin Waterfowl Hunters’ Conference, which will be held on February 29 & March 1, 2008, at the Country Springs Hotel and Convention Center (Previously – Holiday Inn) in Stevens Point.
January 22 , 2008
Dudley Edmondson, freelance photographer and author of the book “Black and Brown Faces in Americas Wild Places,” will exhibit his work, sign books and encourage urban dwellers to discover the beauty and solitude of the natural world in a presentation at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington, Minn., at 12:00 p.m. on March 1. The public is invited to bring their cameras and walk the grounds with the photographer after the book signing. This event is free and open to the public.
January 22 , 2008
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the City of Bloomington, Minn., announced today that the 2008 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest will be held Oct. 17 and 18 at the Bloomington Center for the Arts, 1800 West Old Shakopee Road.
January 11 , 2008
Big Muddy Wildlife Refuge Announces
Upcoming Public Listening MeetingsThe Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge would like to announce upcoming public listening meetings. These meetings are intended to gather public input for the development of the refuge comprehensive conservation plan. These meetings are the start of the plan which is a three year process to determine the future management of the Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge. These meetings were originally scheduled for December but where postponed due to weather.
January 7 , 2008
Department of the Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne announced Jan. 4 that 29 conservation projects encompassing nearly 10,000 acres of coastal wetlands will be funded with $20.5 million from 2008 National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grants.
