March 16, 2007

Matt Kales, 303-236-4576
Sherry James, 303-289-0659

MEDIA ADVISORY

What:               Release of 16 wild bison to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, marking a major milestone in both the ecological restoration of the site and the Fish and Wildlife Service’s wild bison conservation efforts.  The release coincides with the 104^th Birthday of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

 Who:                Honorable Ed Perlmutter, U.S. House of Representatives; agency leadership; state and local                           elected officials; members of Colorado’s conservation community 

When:              Saturday, March 17, 8:00 am (Invitation only – VIP and media event)

Where:             Visitor Center at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge South Gate Entrance, 56^th and Havana Street, Denver, Colorado (Photo ID required.)

Please note: Media access begins at 7:45 am and concludes at 8:15 am.  All media must check in at the Visitor Center and will then be directed to the reintroduction site.  All media must be checked in and set up at the site by 8:15 am.  The reintroduction ceremony will begin promptly at 8:30 am.  No exceptions, please.

 Visuals             Release of 16 wild bison to restored native shortgrass prairie habitat at one of the nation’s                            premier urban wildlife refuges
                           Remarks by elected officials and agency leadership
                           Presentation of colors by local Boy Scout troop                         

Other wildlife, including mule deer, raptors, prairie dogs, coyotes, waterfowl
B-roll available  

Interviews:        Honorable Ed Perlmutter, U.S. House of Representatives; agency leadership; state and local elected officials; members of Colorado’s conservation community  

Assignment Editor’s Note:  The Refuge will open at noon on Saturday, March 17^th for public visitation.  Public tours to view the bison will begin Sunday, April 1, 2007.  Call 303-29-89-0930 for tour reservations.