The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Neosho National Fish Hatchery, in southwest Missouri, hosted the grand opening of its state-of-the-art visitor center today. The event was attended by approximately 725 people, including dignitaries, supporters, and partners.
The event culminated with cutting the ribbon to officially open the facility with visiting dignitaries including Congressman Roy Blunt, Fish and Wildlife Service's Midwest Regional Director Tom Melius, President of Friends of the Neosho National Fish Hatchery Jerry Christian, Neosho Mayor Richard Davidson, David Rauch, District Director for Senator Claire McCaskill, and Stacy Burks, District Office Director for Senator Christopher “Kit” Bond.
The event was a true community celebration which included live music, lunch, and guided tours. The Neosho High School Air Force Junior ROTC presented the flags, while Nathan Cantwell performed the National Anthem. The Neosho Chamber of Commerce presented the Hatchery with a Recognition Award, and a State House Resolution applauding the history, goals, and accomplishments of the Hatchery was presented by the Honorable Kevin Wilson, Missouri House of Representatives.
The visitor center is expected to accommodate more than 100,000 visitors per year, while enhancing environmental education and interpretation opportunities, and generating economic benefits for Newton County and surrounding areas.
David Hendrix, Neosho National Fish Hatchery Hatchery Manager, said, ”It’s a historic day for our public. We finally have a wonderful visitor center to use as a tool to allow us to serve them better.”
“We're so proud to see this project come to fruition,” said Tom Melius. "Not only does the architectural styling of the new visitor center pay tribute to the hatchery's rich history, but its engaging interpretive exhibits, impressive classroom spaces, and energy efficient design will play a critical role in the promoting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's efforts to conserve natural resources and reconnect our people with the natural world."
"This is a great day for Neosho National Fish Hatchery and the city of Neosho. It took a lot of effort from many dedicated people to get here. The hatchery's new visitor center will not only yield tremendous value in terms of environmental education to the public, but it will provide equally important economic benefits to the community for many years to come," Congressman Blunt said.
Neosho NFH was established in 1888 and is the oldest operating federal fish hatchery. The hatchery raises endangered pallid sturgeon for recovery efforts in the lower Missouri River and rainbow trout for stocking in Lake Taneycomo. The hatchery also supports conservation of the endangered Ozark cavefish and restoration of native mussels.
