Environmental Award to Ohio River Islands Refuge

Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge has won the 2009 Refuge of the Year Environmental Leadership Award from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The refuge was recognized for its construction of an administrative building and visitor center that earned an ENERGY STAR rating.

Built in 2008 on a former farm in Williamstown, WV, the building incorporates local recycled and renewable materials. Construction minimized disturbance to natural habitats and local or regional materials were used to support the local economy and reduce the amount of fossil fuels used to transport goods. The building uses natural daylight and energy-efficient lighting. Energy performance so far in 2009 has been 28 percent better than an average building.

"One of our goals was to showcase environmental sustainability," said refuge manager Dean Rhine. "We believe that using fewer natural resources supports our wildlife conservation mission." The new visitor center features a 1,200 gallon aquarium featuring live Ohio River fish; the refuge also offers hunting, fishing, bird watching, hiking and other recreational opportunities.

- Back -