"National Wildlife Refuge Week is a great opportunity for those who have never experienced a refuge to visit one for the first time," said Bruce Babbitt, Secretary of the Interior. "The Refuge System has enjoyed a remarkable renaissance in recent years. There is strong support from the Administration, Congress, conservation organizations, and public visitation is at an all time high."
From a single three acre in 1903, the National Wildlife Refuge System has grown into a 93 million acre network of lands and waters, protected and nurtured as habitat for an incredible variety of plant and animal species. From the half acre Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge in Minnesota to the 20 million acre Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, the national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge system is the only network of federal lands dedicated to wildlife conservation.
Many of the 520 national wildlife refuges are located along the major "flyways" used by migrating ducks, geese, and songbirds; others were set aside as sanctuaries for endangered species such as the bald eagle, whooping crane, and the Florida manatee. With the nations urban areas expanding relentlessly, the public is relying on refuges to shoulder a growing portion of the burden of preserving the nations natural heritage.
"Wildlife always comes first on refuges, but the system welcomes almost 35 million visitors each year," said Jamie Rappaport Clark, director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "The special events make National Wildlife Refuge Week an especially good time to visit, and in some parts of the country, the fall migration will be getting underway for millions of birds.
Hunting, fishing, birdwatching, nature photography, environmental education, and interpretation are especially welcome on refuges, and most refuges provide opportunities to engage in one or more of these activities. The systems long range roadmap, a document called Fulfilling the Promise, calls for the system to expand recreational and educational opportunities and envisions refuges as places "where visitors feel welcome" and offer "a variety of opportunities to enjoy and appreciate Americas fish, wildlife, and plants."
"Thanks to the strong support from our partners and from Congress, we are upgrading our visitor facilities, such as boardwalks, boat ramps, observation blinds, and interpretive signs, and are better able to accommodate the public," Clark said. For more information about National Wildlife Refuge Week events, contact a refuge near you or point your browser to http://refuges.fws.gov"> and click on "Special Events." For a copy of a visitors guide, call (800) 344-WILD.
Feature Story Ideas on National Wildlife Refuges
Every state has at least one National Wildlife Refuge, and most have several, so odds are good that you wont have to go too far to get a great story. Pick up the phone and call your local refuge to uncover local angles on these great features.
Amazing Wildlife: You can find just about everything that walks, crawls, swims or flies on a National Wildlife Refuge somewhere in the country. From migration to procreation to hibernation, there is a fascinating wildlife story for every season. Step behind those "Blue Goose" refuge boundary signs and discover for yourself.
Wildlife Management Behind the Scenes: Bring along your camera as refuge staff demonstrate how water, fire, and vegetation are managed to nurture a variety of wildlife species. Take a closer look at how refuge staff improve habitat to attract waterfowl and songbirds, is there a lesson there you can pass on to local hunting or gardening clubs?
Outstanding Outdoor Recreation and Education: Refuges abound with opportunities for bird watchers, hunters, anglers, wildlife photographers, students, and just about anyone else who wants to experience wildlife up close and personal. Drop by a nearby refuge and learn about local recreational and educational opportunities your readers and viewers may not be aware of.
Colorful Characters: Dedication and esprit de corps are the hallmarks of refuge staff and volunteers. One refuge employee was recently recognized for never missing a day of work as the only maintenance worker for 4 separate refuges -- at 90 years old! Almost 20% of the work on refuges is performed by volunteers, and their stories can inspire others to begin pitching and take ownership of the natural heritage we all share.
Passing on Outdoor Traditions: When National Wildlife Refuge Week, National Fishing Week, National Hunting and Fishing Day, and other events roll around each year, refuges step up to the plate with fishing derbies, wildlife art competitions, and festivals. Which is bigger, the smile on a kids face or that first fish at the end of his line? Its a great photo either way. Uncover heartwarming stories of the disabled and disadvantaged discovering new horizons in the outdoors and show the world what that first trophy can do for a troubled soul.
We Need Your Help! As America becomes increasingly urban, national wildlife refuges are shouldering a growing share of the burden to maintain wildlife populations and provide the public with outdoor recreational and educational opportunities. We need your help to build public awareness and support for this crucial resource. When you write some of the wonderful stories that await you on refuges, please take a sentence or two to point out that each refuge is part of a nationwide system, a system that not only provides stepping stones for migratory wildlife, but also preserves a full inventory of the nations habitats and wildlife species.
EDITORS: The Office of Media Services, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, can help your reporters visit virtually any of the 517 National Wildlife Refuges in the system. Contact Eric Eckl, 202- 208-5636, or EMail a note at Eric_Eckl@fws.gov.
National Wildlife Refuge System October 1997 - October 1999: Two Triumphant Years
The National Wildlife Refuge System is enjoying a period of growing public interest and unprecedented support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Department of Interior, the Administration, Congress, and conservation partners.
October 1997 The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act is signed into law. This first-ever organic legislation ends decades of debate over the Systems role, unequivocally naming wildlife conservation as the sole mission of the refuge system, and giving wildlife related recreational and educational uses
