Neosho National Fish Hatchery to Break Ground for New Energy Efficient Visitor Center

Neosho National Fish Hatchery to Break Ground for New Energy Efficient Visitor Center

Neosho National Fish Hatchery to Break Ground for New Energy Efficient Visitor Center


The Neosho National Fish Hatchery in southwest Missouri will host a ground breaking ceremony on July 1 to celebrate the construction of a new visitor center at the nation’s oldest operational federal fish hatchery. The visitor center is expected to accommodate more than 100,000 visitors per year, enhance environmental education and interpretation opportunities, and generate economic benefits for ton County and surrounding areas.

The ground breaking ceremony will be open to the media and general public. Federal and State legislators and local public officials have been invited to attend. The groundbreaking ceremony will take place from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m., and will be preceded by a reception on-site from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m. For additional information, contact David Hendrix, hatchery manager, at 417-451-0554.

“Neosho National Fish Hatchery and its staff provide an exemplary model of aquatic resource conservation in action,” said Tom Melius, Midwest Regional Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “The improvements to the hatchery’s visitor center are an investment in environmental stewardship, local economic growth, and show how conservation agencies are taking steps to reduce their own carbon footprint.”

Neosho NFH currently receives approximately 45,000 visitors annually. The construction will convert the visitor center into an energy-efficient, LEED-certified facility, which will include installation of photovoltaic solar panels. Seating capacity will be increased to facilitate student groups and other visitors to the hatchery. Construction and operation of the visitor center is expected to generate local economic benefits in the form of enhanced tourism revenues and associated employment opportunities in southwestern Missouri.

“The visitor center will provide an unprecedented opportunity for the Neosho hatchery and our surrounding community,” said David Hendrix, hatchery manager. “We will be able to improve community education about our aquatic resources, and at the same time enhance the energy-efficiency of daily hatchery operations.”

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.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit " mce_href="https://intranet.fws.gov/region3/admin/news/www.fws.gov">www.fws.gov.