U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Partners to Reintroduce Wild Bison at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in Commerce City, Colorado

in; -1inWhat:Release of 16 wild bison to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, marking a major milestone in both the ecological restoration of the site and the Fish and Wildlife Service's wild bison conservation efforts. The release coincides with the 104^th Birthday of the National Wildlife Refuge System. in; -1inWho:Honorable Ed Perlmutter, U.S. House of Representatives; agency leadership; state and local elected officials; members of Colorado's conservation community in; -1inWhen: Saturday, March 17, 8:00 am (Invitation only ? VIP and media event) in; -1inWhere: Visitor Center at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge South Gate Entrance, 56^th and Havana Street, Denver, Colorado (Photo ID required.) inPlease note: Media access begins at 7:45 am and concludes at 8:15 am. All media must check in at the Visitor Center and will then be directed to the reintroduction site. All media must be checked in and set up at the site by 8:15 am. The reintroduction ceremony will begin promptly at 8:30 am. No exceptions, please. in; -1inVisuals Release of 16 wild bison to restored native shortgrass prairie habitat at one of the nation's premier urban wildlife refuges

0 Remarks by elected officials and agency leadership

0 Presentation of colors by local Boy Scout troop

inOther wildlife, including mule deer, raptors, prairie dogs, coyotes, waterfowl inB-roll available in; -1in in; -1inInterviews: Honorable Ed Perlmutter, U.S. House of Representatives; agency leadership; state and local elected officials; members of Colorado's conservation community in; -1in

Assignment Editor's Note: The Refuge will open at noon on Saturday, March 17^th for public visitation. Public tours to view the bison will begin Sunday, April 1,2007. Call 303-29-89-0930 for tour reservations.