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Can You Have Your Cake and Eat it Too?
The President’s budget request this year for the National Wildlife Refuge System marks a shift in the direction of Refuge System funding and has reignited a debate within the conservation community. By emphasizing land acquisition over operating and maintaining our wildlife refuges, an important question is raised: should we acquire more land without the dollars to appropriately manage these new holdings?
In addition to the intrinsic benefits to wildlife and the fact that once habitat is developed, there’s little chance of it being restored, one of the best arguments for land conservation is the concept of “ecosystem services” - that conserved land provides discernable economic and social benefits beyond the aesthetic, moral and philosophical justifications for land conservation. Ecosystem services benefits are far ranging and dependant on habitat type. For instance, forests store carbon dioxide, exhale clean oxygen, and reduce runoff. Wetlands act as natural water filters, scrubbing pollutants and silt out of our waterways, and wildlife such as birds and bees pollinate plants that include many agricultural staples.
This idea of ecosystem services is not new. The Adirondack and Catskill State Parks in upstate New York were created in the last century in part to insure clean water for the growing New York City downstate. In the past twenty years the city was faced with a difficult choice. Agricultural pollution and other runoff were ruining the quality of the water in the New York City’s Catskill reservoirs. To comply with environmental regulations, the city’s options included building a costly water filtration system - at a cost of $6 billion - or investing in the natural capital of the Catskills to improve the ecosystem health of the region. The city chose to invest between $1 and $1.5 billion to improve water quality in the Catskills, at a savings of nearly $5 billion. The program has been successful, and in 2007 was granted an extension by the EPA through 2017 to continue using unfiltered water from the Catskills.
Much like this example, our wildlife refuges provide essential ecosystem services to our local communities. For instance, the marshes at Blackwater NWR in Maryland play an important role filtering water entering the Chesapeake Bay, refuges such as Cache River NWR in the Lower Mississippi River valley trap carbon dioxide, and refuges on barrier islands along the east coast serve as essential storm buffers.
Yet in all of these examples, realizing the best return for ecosystem services on these lands hinges on their enduring health. When invasive species such as nutria, a destructive aquatic rodent, were allowed to run rampant on Blackwater NWR the quality of the ecosystem services that the refuge provided were greatly impaired.
Just as there are strong economic and ecological reasons to acquire new wildlife habitat, the same can be said for ensuring adequate funds for managing existing refuges. Wildlife refuges provide places for people to recreate and enjoy outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, bird watching and photography. These and other refuge activities, including the jobs created for restoration and maintenance work, generate a return of $4 for every $1 of federal investment in our national wildlife refuges. In short, refuges are economic engines in hundreds of local communities across the nation.
This is why the Refuge Association advocates for both strategically growing the Refuge System to acquire the habitat that will best protect America’s wildlife, while continuing to invest in on the ground efforts to maximize the potential of what we already have. In an uncertain future we should evaluate all of the tools we have, and not shortchange our wildlife when it comes to maintaining and operating our wildlife refuges, or seizing opportunities to protect critical habitat for future generations.
Onward and upward!
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The U.S. FWS and Conservation Community Loses a Champion
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Late Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sam Hamilton. ©FWS
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The conservation community mourned the loss of Sam Hamilton, former Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service, who passed away February 20th, 2010.
Hamilton led the Fish and Wildlife Service, the agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior responsible for managing the National Wildlife Refuge System. He began his career on refuges as a Youth Conservation Corps volunteer repairing fences on refuges in Mississippi and during his subsequent years of service, he played an instrumental role restoring vital habitat in the Everglades and initiating innovative carbon sequestration projects that have saved 80,000 acres of wildlife habitat. As the Director of the FWS, Hamilton championed the landscape-scale conservation vision that will continue to shape the direction of the Fish and Wildlife Service for years to come.
“Sam was a bright light in the field of wildlife conservation,” said Evan Hirsche, President of the NWRA. “He was a pioneer in innovative strategies to protect and restore wildlife habitat; as Director of FWS, he worked tirelessly to implement a larger, landscape-level wildlife conservation vision for the nation. With his passing, the conservation community has suffered a great loss.”
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NWRA Continues Fight to Keep “Road To Nowhere” Out of Izembek NWR
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The proposed road through Izembek NWR would waste taxpayer's dollars and destroy important wildlife habitat.
©FWS
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In comments submitted at an Interior Department public meeting in Washington, DC March 11th, NWRA again pushed the Department of the Interior to reject construction of a $30 million, nine-mile gravel “Road to Nowhere” through the biological heart of Izembek NWR, a premier American wilderness area on the Alaskan peninsula.
For several years, NWRA has fought against this road, but last year Congress authorized construction - provided that the Secretary of Interior finds the road to be in the public interest after completing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Under the law, lands would be offered in exchange for the corridor on which the road would be built; however, these lands are of significantly lesser conservation value and would not compensate for bisecting the federally designated wilderness in the heart of the refuge and destroying this fragile ecosystem.
The FWS began the EIS process with the March 11th meeting in Washington and another held days before in Anchorage. These meetings provide an opportunity for citizens and Friends organizations to offer comments on the destructive road project. Please consider offering your own comments through our Refuge Action Network.
Read NWRA’s Scoping Comments.
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NWRA Welcomes New Interior Appropriations Subcommittee Chair
NWRA enthusiastically welcomes Representative James Moran of Virginia as the new Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies. Mr. Moran steps in as Refuge System champion Rep Norm Dicks of Washington moves to chair the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. Moran is also a long-time supporter of the National Wildlife Refuge System and outspoken advocate for the refuges in Virginia – including those in the Potomac River Refuge Complex where he has a particular passion. He takes the Committee reins after three successive years of major refuge funding increases led by Chairman Dicks.
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Rep. Jim Moran receives the gavel from former Chairman Norm Dicks ©www.moran.house.gov
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Chairman Moran has long championed Virginia’s refuges and assisted with land acquisition requests and increased funding. At a hearing regarding the Fish and Wildlife Service budget request on March 17th - sporting a green carnation in commemoration of his Irish heritage - Chairman Moran quoted John Muir and questioned the proposed cut to Refuge System Operations and Maintenance funding:
“As John Muir said: “When we tug at a single thing in nature, we find it attached to the rest of the world." I am interested in hearing how you will continue to support your mission and transition to the “landscape scale” when you are proposing a $4.6 million decrease in the Fish and Wildlife Service’s budget and absorbing over $14 million in fixed costs. I also have concerns about the $4 million in proposed cuts for operations of the National Wildlife Refuges. As you know, this Subcommittee has worked hard over the past several years, to help the refuges receive adequate funding for their operations.”
These comments demonstrate Chairman Moran’s awareness of the challenges faced by refuges; NWRA looks forward to working with the new Chairman.
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CARE Coalition Releases Report Highlighting Refuge Funding Needs
Restoring America’s Wildlife Refuges 2010: Maintaining Momentum to Solve the Refuge System Funding Crisis, a new report released last month by the NWRA-chaired Cooperative Alliance for Refuge Enhancement (CARE), finds that in spite of recent increases in Congress, our nation’s wildlife refuges continue to be funded at levels far below those needed to fulfill many of the basic functions that refuges serve to protect America’s wildlife heritage. The report asserts that the Refuge System needs $900 million to achieve the mission and conservation goals laid out by Congress, and as a step towards that goal, urges increasing Refuge System funding to $578 million in FY 2011.
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CARE's 2010 Report asserts that the Refuge System needs at least $900 million annually to achieve its conservation goals.
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CARE’s new report criticizes the Administration for proposing cuts to the Refuge System in next year’s budget that could derail progress made in the past few years. These cuts could reverse the gains that allowed for the temporary suspension of workforce downsizing plans, the development of expanded youth programs, the completion of urgent habitat restoration projects, and the beginning of a robust inventory and monitoring program. Our wildlife refuges need to be fully funded in order to not only protect wildlife like manatees, caracaras, tortoises and trout, but to also continue serving as engines for economic activity in many local communities throughout the United States.
The report finds that:
- Refuges face a $3.7 billion backlog in deferred maintenance and operations funding with more than 11,000 high priority projects currently waiting to be addressed on refuges nationwide. Unless funding is secured to address the backlog, many refuge facilities could deteriorate beyond repair.
- Crime is a big problem in the Refuge System, with only 213 full time law enforcement officers patrolling its 150 million acres, instead of the 845 officers it needs.
- The Refuge System is fighting a ongoing battle against invasive plants and animals. Approximately 2.3 million acres of refuge lands are overrun with non-native invasive plants, while more than 4,400 invasive animal populations ravage millions more acres.
- Oil and gas drilling has increased dramatically on 155 refuges, but the Refuge System is not well equipped to oversee these activities or clean up degraded sites.
- With the recent addition of more than 50 million acres of marine monuments in the Pacific Ocean, the Refuge System faces increased management, coordination, restoration, and law enforcement challenges that carry an annual price tag of between $18 and $35 million.
Download the report here
Watch NWRA President Evan Hirsche discuss the report here
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Refuge Friends Take Message to Capitol Hill
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40 representatives from 28 different friends groups "stormed the Hill" this March. ©Evan Hirsche
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Friends from all over the nation dug into their pockets and made the commitment to come to Capitol Hill on Tuesday, March 9th to voice their support for the Refuge System. They came from as far away as Hawaii and as close as the suburbs of Washington, D.C. to inform our elected officials about the needs of their local refuges and the entire Refuge System. Members of Congress listened as Friends told them about the need to replenish sand along the beaches of Egmont Key NWR, restore biological programs in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and protect critical habitat in California’s Central Valley, along with many other needs at their local refuges.
After attending advocacy training sessions held by NWRA the evening before, 40 Friends, representing 28 organizations and 17 states, were prepped and eager to tell Congress about the needs of National Wildlife Refuge System in Fiscal Year 2011. Those needs include:
- Appropriations of $578 million to continue building the Refuge System budget toward the $900 million needed annually to adequately manage its 150 million acres;
- Fully funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund at $900 million, including $300 million for the Refuge System;
- Designation of the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as wilderness;
- Passage of comprehensive climate change legislation;
- Increased participation in the House’s Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus.
Friends representing each of the eight FWS Regions discussed critical needs of the Refuge System with staffers of the Senate Interior Appropriation Committee at a meeting arranged by NWRA.
Even if you or your organization were unable to attend the 2010 Hill Rally we urge you take action in support of Refuge System needs for Fiscal Year 2011. Go to our What You Can Do page to find out how!
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Federal Judge Rejects Plan to Phase out Elk Feeding at National Elk Refuge
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NWRA is concerned that elk, attracted in unnatural concentrations by the Elk Refuge winter feeding program, could be devastated by chronic wasting disease. ©Evan Hirsche
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A federal judge has rejected an appeal from NWRA and other environmental organizations to end a plan to continue winter-feeding of elk on the National Elk Refuge in Wyoming, a practice that puts elk at risk of disease and destroys the biological integrity of the refuge.
In 2008 NWRA and other environmental organizations filed a federal lawsuit challenging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision to continue supplemental feeding of elk and bison herds on the National Elk Refuge in Wyoming. The coalition, of which Earthjustice is the lead counsel, argues that feeding elk during the winter leaves the large herd vulnerable to diseases such as brucellosis and chronic-wasting disease. The practice began in 1910 following several severe winters in the region, and today continues to draw tourists as well as support from the state of Wyoming.
Last year NWRA finalized its arguments for summary judgment to order the FWS to revise its management plan for the Elk Refuge by arguing that the current NWRS “plan to make a plan” not only fails NEPA standards, but also violates the 1997 Refuge Improvement Act.
Despite the court decision, NWRA continues to advocate against feeding of elk and other practices that threaten America’s wildlife.
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NWRA Welcomes New Board Members
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NWRA welcomes Stuart Watson and Simon Perkins
(pictured left to right)
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NWRA is excited to welcome to Stuart Watson and Simon Perkins to its board of directors.
Stuart Watson is the CEO and founder of zFlo, Inc, a software distribution company in Massachusetts that provides systems that allow the capture and analysis of movement. Watson brings infectious enthusiasm for strengthening NWRA in its mission to promote and enhance the Refuge System, saying “there is a tremendous need to emphasize the benefits of our country’s wildlife refuges with the American public.” On his involvement with NWRA, Watson adds, “I will do all that I can to help spread the word about the good work the NWRA does the benefit of us all.”
Simon Perkins is a fly-fishing and bird hunting guide, and the director and co-founder of PRO Outfitters Fly Fishing Camp in Montana, the first Orvis-Endorsed fishing school exclusively for kids. Perkins grew up in Vermont, and through Orvis, his family’s business, is steeped in the tradition of connecting with nature through outdoor recreation. Of joining the board he says, “my attraction to NWRA stems from a dedicated interest in practicing and promoting habitat conservation, as well as my fascination for the challenging (yet rewarding) collaboration demanded by such efforts,” said Perkins.
The addition of Stuart Watson and Simon Perkins builds upon the wealth of talent and expertise of NWRA’s Board of Directors, and brings total board membership to 19.
Click here to view the full NWRA Board of Directors
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Refuge System Standouts Honored at Refuge System Awards Reception
Refuge System advocates were honored at a reception on Capitol Hill this March that featured live animals and more than 400 attendees. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar joined NWRA, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and FWS in bestowing honors on the winners of the 2010 Refuge System Awards. Awards were presented to Kevin Foerster, Vernon Byrd, Zeeger de Wilde and the Friends of Alaska NWRs for their outstanding achievements on behalf of the NWRS and wildlife conservation this year.
Additionally, the Cooperative Alliance for Refuge Enhancement (CARE) presented awards to Refuge System champions in Congress, including Rep. Frank LoBiondo (NJ), Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO), and Senator Dan Inouye (HI). Former Chair of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, Rep. Norm Dicks (WA) was presented with a CARE Teddy Roosevelt Lifetime Achievement Award.
In an unforgettable moment during the ceremony, Secretary Salazar hushed the boisterous crowd, asking them for quiet to honor the hard work and dedication of NWRS and FWS employees. His full participation in the awards ceremony demonstrates the high esteem that the Secretary holds for those in the Department of the Interior, and in particular, the Fish and Wildlife Service.
Click here for more information on the 2010 NWRS Awards.
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Marie Springer Honored
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Marie Springer wades into volunteer work at Walkill River NWR
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Congratulations to Marie Springer, president of the Friends of Walkill River NWR, for being recognized by the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey for the 2010 Women and Wildlife Inspiration Award. Nominated by New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg, she was one of two women to receive the prestigious conservation award.
A vocal Friends activist and the founder and president of the Friends of Walkill River NWR, Marie combines her artistic talents and passion for wildlife in a variety of projects, including creation of the costumes for the refuge’s annual Nocturnal Creature Night. Her persistent advocacy efforts directed toward raising awareness of the devastating “white nose” syndrome decimating local bat populations were instrumental in obtaining $1.9 million from Congress for research and prevention of the mysterious disease.
Marie was a recipient of the 2009 Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by NWRA, FWS and NFWF.
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Friends Focus: Friends of Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
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A.R.M. Loxahatchee NWR is home to a stunning variety of wildlife, including this brightly colored eastern lubber grasshopper!. ©Jim Powell Jr.
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While the breathtaking everglades marshes of Florida are often synonymous with Everglades National Park, the park only protects the southern one fifth of the historic reach of the massive ecosystem. West of Boynton Beach in Palm Beach County, at the historic northern range of this uniquely American subtropical ecosystem, is the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, which protects the last intact remnants of the complex and fascinating “River of Grass” that once sprawled from Lake Okeechobee south before being sliced, diced, rerouted and fragmented as the region was developed over the past hundred years. Endangered snail kites soar overhead and American alligators bask in the sawgrass marshes and cypress swamps encompassed by the 143,000 acre refuge.
The Friends of A. R. M. Loxahatchee promote a better understanding and appreciation of the natural history and environment of Florida and the northern everglades. Every month the Friends present a children’s program at the refuge visitor center to teach about migration and the many challenges that Florida’s wildlife face. The Friends hosted a photo contest this year, and presented the entries on March 21st at a meet and greet at the visitors center.
This past January the refuge and the Friends of Loxahatchee brought together representatives of Friends Groups from refuges across the state to share ideas and experiences beyond refuge boundaries. NWRA President Evan Hirsche kicked off the event with a presentation on the important role Friends continue to play insuring that our wildlife refuges are adequately funded. Later in the day the guests were treated to a surprise visit by USFWS Director Sam Hamilton and Assistant Interior Secretary Tom Strickland, who spoke of their visits to the dedication of the Picayune Strand restoration project, the dedication of the Tamiami Trail raised roadway project and other important everglades restoration projects that are moving forward.
For more information on the Friends of Loxahatchee visit http://www.loxahatcheefriends.com/
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Become a Fan of NWRA on Facebook!
Become a fan on Facebook and show your friends that you support NWRA! If you haven’t become a fan already, we are easy to find by either visiting www.facebook.com/RefugeAssociation, or by searching for “National Wildlife Refuge Association” on Facebook. Don’t forget to tell your friends to become fans as well by clicking “Suggest to Friends” beneath the NWRA logo on our Facebook page!
Now it is also easier than ever to share the Flyer with your Friends on Facebook by clicking the Facebook link at the bottom of each article!
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Upcoming Events!
Regional Friends Conferences
April 9-11: R4, Southeast Friends Conference, Crystal River, Florida
April 9-11: R6 & 7, Mountain-Prairie/Alaska Friends Conference, Wichita, Kansas
April 16-18: R3, Midwest Friends Conference, La Crosse, Wisconsin
April 23-25: R1, Northwest & Pacific Islands Friends Conference, Newport, Oregon
May 14-16: R2, Southwest Friends Conference, South Padre Island, Texas
Important Dates
April 22: Earth Day - check with your refuge for local events!
April 30: NWR Friends Group Grants Applications submission deadline to National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
May 8: International Migratory Bird Day
May 14: Deadline to submit written testimony to the Senate
June 14: Nature of Learning Grants submission deadline to National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
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The world's oldest Laysan albatross can be found at Midway Atoll NWR
Wisdom, the world’s oldest Laysan albatross, was spotted at Midway Atoll NWR for the first time this breeding season on January 3rd. Originally banded at the same location in 1956, she is at least 59 years old!
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