On November 20, 2015, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge started a cooperative relationship with Chongqing Jinyunshan National Nature Reserve in Chongqing, China. The two sites are partnering to promote bilateral educational exchanges and practical cooperation in environmental education, protected area interpretation and personnel training.
This partnership idea was borne when refuge manager, Tim Bodeen visited China as part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s bilateral exchange program. Bodeen saw similarities of the refuge and reserve- moving conservation forward through environmental education, providing outdoor experiences for an urban population, offering a natural landscape for human wellness and conserving the landscape's natural resources. For over four years, delegates from both countries travel to share and learn wildlife research and conservation approaches.
“The beauty of this partnership is building on our similarities and strengths with exchanges of conservation education ideas, urban outreach, and cross cultural experiences,” stated Bodeen.
Midwest Regional Director Tom Melius strongly supports these bilateral exchanges and commends Minnesota Valley NWR partnering with the Reserve. “Through the exchange of knowledge and insight, the Service is forging a deeper dedication to helping other nations conserve their wildlife,” noted Melius.
Chongqing Jinyunshan National Nature Reserve is a gateway for over 32 million people to hike mountain peaks, reflect in dense forests and observe abundant wildlife. The reserve is located approximately 45 minutes from downtown Chongqing, China. Chongqing is the largest municipality in southwest China. It is a modern port city at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers.
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge has two visitor centers, gateways to more than 18,000-acres of land dedicated to wildlife and wildlife-dependent recreation, including a superior urban environmental education program. The Bloomington Visitor Center is located in the heart of the Twin Cities, roughly 10-minutes drive time from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
