The MOU will foster cooperation between the Service and the DNR in the planning, implementation and promotion of fish and wildlife habitat restoration and conservation projects located on lands in Minnesota. The MOU emphasizes enhanced communications and coordination and also serves to facilitate and implement joint Federal and State efforts with private land owners in Minnesota.
The DNRs Private Lands Program and the Services Partners for Wildlife Program complement and contribute toward the goals and objectives of such initiatives as the North American Waterfowl Management Plan and endangered species recovery efforts, as well as the Conservation Reserve, Wetlands Reserve, and Reinvest in Minnesota programs. Last summer, the two agencies commemorated a milestone in private lands accomplishments in Minnesota resulting in a co-sponsored Wetland Restoration Celebration near New London. Since 1987, more than 8,146 wetlands, amounting to more than 26,504 acres have been restored on private lands across the State.
In endorsing the MOU, DNR Commissioner Rodney Sando said, "Partnerships developed among governmental agencies, conservation organizations and especially, private landowners, have been instrumental in the overall success of private lands activities in Minnesota. We look forward to further capitalize on complementary approaches to restoration, management and protection of our valuable fish and wildlife resources."
Service Regional Director Sam Marler applauded the MOU as a more formal mechanism to support State/Federal private lands efforts in Minnesota. "We greatly value the outstanding working relationship we have with Minnesota. This document will build on something that is already very positive," said Marler.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 93-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System which encompasses more than 530 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas. It also operates 66 national fish hatcheries, 64 fishery resource offices and 78 ecological services field stations. The agency enforces Federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign governments with their conservation efforts. It also oversees the Federal Aid program that distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to state fish and wildlife agencies. For further information about the programs and activities of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the Great Lakes-Big Rivers Region, please visit our home page at: http://midwest.fws.gov
