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A Safe Haven for Birds
Earlier this month Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar released a “State of the Birds” report, drawing from more than 40 years of research monitoring bird populations. This first ever collaboration between diverse federal agencies, academic institutions, and conservation groups assessed the welfare of the nearly 800 species of birds native to the United States- and the findings are alarming. One third of the birds in the United States are either listed as federally endangered, threatened, or are considered to be of critical conservation concern. Since this country was founded, fourteen species of American birds have become extinct or very likely to become extinct, including the passenger pigeon- formerly the most abundant bird on the planet.
As the premier wildlife conservation system in the United States, the National Wildlife Refuge System has played, and will continue to play a critical role in protecting our native bird species. While bird populations are declining within virtually all broad habitat types, there is one bright point in the report, and that is the overwhelming success of wetland conservation efforts to protect waterfowl.
During the 1930s, under the leadership of J.N. “Ding” Darling, the Refuge System greatly expanded its reach through an aggressive land acquisition campaign undertaken by John Clark Salyer II. Salyer toured the country in a government issued Oldsmobile, strategically seeking out land to add to the Refuge System along major flyways. The results of this pursuit are undeniable, as he saved important wetlands within the prairie potholes region of the Midwest, and expanded refuges that helped to lift iconic species such as the Trumpeter Swan from the brink of extinction.
The success of wildlife refuges and their role in wetlands conservation demonstrates the incredible potential that refuges have for protecting many of our native species of birds. As conservation issues become increasingly complex, particularly as a result of climate change, efforts to preserve and restore additional native habitat types will be crucial to restoring bird populations, with land acquisition made possible by the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp), and the Land and Water Conservation Fund playing a key role.
Opportunities to look beyond the boundaries and create partnerships between public and private landowners will be paramount to creating a strong and adaptable Refuge System. For instance, the NWRA is currently working with partners in the Lower Mississippi Watershed to create a landscape based conservation plan to protect bottomland hardwood forests- habitats that provide refuge for migrating songbirds, and possibly the last holdout of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker in the United States.
Today we are facing an economic downturn unlike any since the 1930s, and much like the pioneering figures of the Refuge System during that time, we have a unique and pivotal opportunity to further bird conservation through our refuges. The “State of the Birds,” while dire in its predictions, shows promise that innovative conservation strategies on and in connection with refuges can help to reverse the declining fortunes faced by so many species of birds.
Onward and upward!
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More than 500 Refuge Enthusiasts Attended National “Friends Unite!” Conference
The 2009 National Wildlife Refuge System "Friends Unite!" Conference, co-hosted by NWRA and the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), was held February 21 - 23, 2009 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in downtown Washington, DC.
The largest such gathering in the history of the Friends movement, nearly 300 Friends from 162 different organizations in 49 states represented over 230 national wildlife refuges at the Conference and were joined by almost 200 FWS staff.
The conference speakers and sessions provided Friends the tools needed to address serious issues facing the NWRS including climate change, threats from Beyond the Boundaries and organizational challenges in managing Friends groups. Sessions were offered in three tracks: Refuge System Resource Challenges; Tools, Programs and Strategies for Success; and Friends Capacity Building.
To read more, visit our Friends Conference page.
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2009 NWRS Awards Recipients Honored in Washington, DC
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Clockwise from top left: Friends of Pool 9, Marie Springer, Baron Horiuchi, and Greg Siekaniec (right) with FWS acting Director Rowan Gould ©FWS
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NWRA and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) recently presented the 2009 National Wildlife Refuge System Manager, Employee, Volunteer and Friends Group of the Year with awards for outstanding achievement.
Greg Siekaniec of Alaska Maritime NWR, AK was named the Paul Kroegel Refuge Manager of the Year and and Baron Horiuchi of Hakalau Forest NWR, HI was honored as the Refuge System Employee of the Year on March 19 at the NFWF/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director’s Reception in conjunction with the 74th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Arlington, VA.
A few weeks earlier on February 22, Marie Springer of Wallkill River NWR, NJ received the Volunteer of the Year Award and the Friends of Pool 9 of the Upper Mississippi River NFWR’s McGregor District, IA received the Friends Group of the Year Award presented at the NWRA/NFWF Awards Reception held in conjunction with the 2009 'Friends Unite!' Conference in Washington, DC.
These awards recognize exceptional contributions made by refuge employees and volunteers toward protecting the National Wildlife Refuge System, a network of 549 refuges and 37 wetland management districts conserving more than 150 million acres of land and water set aside to conserve America’s wildlife.
For more about the 2009 NWRS Award Recipients, please visit: http://www.refugeassociation.org/Awards.html
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CARE Awards Reception Honors Congressman Obey and Senator Feinstein
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Rep. Obey was recognized for his support of the Refuge System at a CARE reception last month.
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On February 24, the Cooperative Alliance for Refuge Enhancement (CARE) and the FWS co-hosted an evening Hill reception to honor Representative David Obey (WI), Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and Senator Dianne Feinstein (CA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies for their work as stewards of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Congressman Obey and Senator Feinstein were recognized for their demonstrated commitment to protecting the nearly 150 million-acre Refuge System by working to secure $434.1 million for the system in FY2008. In the recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, both Rep. Obey and Sen. Feinstein helped ensure green jobs would be created to help FWS programs, including refuges, by securing $10 million to construct roads, $115 million for construction and $165 million for resource management. Congressman Obey’s award was presented by Vice Chair of the NWRA Board Tony Judge, and Senator Feinstein’s award was presented by The Wilderness Society’s President, William H. Meadows.
To learn more about CARE and to see press announcements of the February 24 reception, please visit http://www.fundrefuges.org.
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Friends Groups Securing Funds for Land Acquisitions
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Crystal River NWR, FL is one of the many refuges receiving LWCF funding for land acquisitions thanks to the hard work of friends groups across the country.© Evan Hirsche |
Friends Groups across the country have long advocated for land acquisitions for their individual refuges as well as for the entire Refuge System and many groups saw success when Congress increased funding for land acquisition through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) for FY 09. A $7.9 million increase for refuge acquisitions, brings the total for LWCF refuge land acquisitions to $42.5 million. The Obama Administration and many members of Congress have stated they would like to see the LWCF fully funded and will work towards that goal in the coming years.
Specific land acquisitions in the LWCF funding for FY09 important to NWRA and Friends groups included $1.5 million for the Crystal River NWR in Florida, $3.8 million for New England's Silvio O. Conte NFWR, and $1.5 million for Supawna Meadows NWR, NJ to name just a few. Thanks in large part to the efforts of Friends at these refuges and others nationwide, these refuges will be adding lands this year.
A list of other refuges that received funding through the LWCF for FY2009 can be found on NWRA’s Priority Programs funded in the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act page at: http://www.refugeassociation.org/New-issues/FY09_FundingPriorities.html.
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Southwest Airlines to Sponsor 2009 Refuge Photography Contest
The NWRA is pleased to announce that Southwest Airlines will be a leading sponsor of our 2009 Wildlife Refuge Photography Contest, which will begin accepting entries on May 1, 2009. Southwest has generously donated 2 roundtrip airline tickets to support this year’s contest.
Southwest Airlines is dedicated to protecting the environment, and believes the future of our planet depends on everyone doing his or her part. Southwest continues to change the airline industry through innovation that benefits both their Customers and the environment. As part of their Environmental Stewardship responsibility, they seek efficiency in their resource utilization, challenge their Employees and partners to create environmental innovation, and commit their financial resources and talents to ensuring a better world for tomorrow. To learn more about Southwest Airlines, please visit http://www.southwest.com.
Launched in 2005, the Refuge Photography Contest was created to educate the public about the Refuge System and encourage people to discover refuges as opportunities for outdoor recreation. The 2008 contest drew more than 2,000 images from over 150 refuges from 45 states and territories, and the 2009 contest is sure to draw equally spectacular results. So get out your cameras, and get to a refuge near you today! Please visit NWRA’s photo contest page <http://www.refugeassociation.org/contest/ContestHome.html> for additional details.
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Barbara’s Bakery Photo and Video Contest Launches: Alaskan Refuge Dream Vacation for Winner!
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Win a trip for 4 to an Alaskan refuge by entering Barbara's Bakery's Photo / Video Contest!
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Earlier this month, Barbara’s Bakery Inc., a long-time sponsor of the NWRA, launched The Families Gone Wild Alaskan Refuge Sweepstakes, the winner of which will win a trip for four to a breathtaking national wildlife refuge in Alaska, complete with airfare and hotel accommodations!
To enter, participants must send Barbara’s Bakery a photograph accompanied by copy (50 words or less), or a 30-second talking video taken at any national wildlife refuge describing their refuge visit experience. The contest is open now and will run through August 24, 2009. For additional details on the contest and to enter, please visit http://www.barbarasbakery.us/alaska
The photo / video contest underscores Barbara’s outstanding commitment to promoting the NWRA and the National Wildlife Refuge System. By providing sponsorship funding, including text on their full line of Shredded cereals and through promotions like the Alaska Sweepstakes, Barbara’s is helping to grow public awareness about the importance of conservation. The Shredded line is available at most natural supermarkets and mainstream stores nationwide.
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$29 Million Increase for Refuge System Funding
On March 11 the President signed a fiscal year 2009 omnibus funding bill for government programs which included a nearly $29 million increase for the National Wildlife Refuge System budget. The much-needed increase brings the operating budget for the Refuge System to $462.8 million, or roughly $3.08 per acre for the now 150 million acre System.
This is an important step in achieving the goal of adequately funding the National Wildlife Refuge System by the end of President Obama’s first term. Along with the recent stimulus package, the increase in Refuge System funding should help to slow the workforce reductions and refuge closings that have occurred over the past several years due to budget constraints. The budget saw increases in both maintenance and operations for the Refuge System, as well as an increase in the NWRA-initiated Volunteer Invasives Program. For additional information, please visit http://www.refugeassociation.org/New-issues/FY09_FundingPriorities.html.
In addition to increased Refuge System funding, the FY 09 budget also expanded Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to $42.5 million, which will underwrite strategic land acquisition and conservation easements. Several NWRA Beyond the Boundaries priority areas will benefit from this increase.
The Cooperative Alliance for Refuge Enhancement (CARE), chaired by the NWRA, has requested $514 million for the Refuge System, leaving the FY09 budget shy of this goal. CARE estimates that the Refuge System needs at least $765 million, and perhaps more, annually to meet its core goals, and will ask for $514 million again for FY10 to bring the NWRS closer to that target. Click here for more information on the FY10 budget.
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Izembek “Road to Nowhere” Included in Final Passage of Public Lands Omnibus
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The proposed road through Izembek NWR would have treacherous driving conditions and high maintenance costs as opposed to the more efficient hovercraft already in use. © FWS |
Caught in a wave of positive public lands bills, Congress on March 25th failed to remove from the massive public lands bill a harmful and unnecessary provision that could result in a road through the Izembek NWR on the Alaskan peninsula. The Senate had passed the 160+ bill package on March 19th on a procedural move designed to allow the House to require only a simple majority to pass. The package is expected to be signed by President Obama shortly.
Action now turns to Secretary of Interior, Ken Salazar, who in accordance with the legislation must issue a determination that the road is in the public interest. The legislation requires the Secretary conduct a second and redundant Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), at an estimated cost of $5 million to the American taxpayer.
The proposed road from King Cove to Cold Bay, AK, through the remote refuge on the Alaskan peninsula, would be extremely costly, environmentally-damaging, impassable much of the year, and is totally unnecessary. The residents of King Cove argue the road is needed for public health, since airport evacuations to Anchorage must leave from Cold Bay, nine miles across the bay. Yet, Congress solved King Cove’s health and safety needs in 1998, when it appropriated $37.5 million to this tiny community of 800 people.
Of that, $9 million was spent to purchase a 98-foot, all-weather hovercraft ferry that has a 100 percent success record with at least 32 medevacs. Another $26 million was spent building a dangerous and as yet uncompleted, single-lane gravel road to the edge of the refuge wilderness area. The remainder was allocated to create a state-of-the-art community medical clinic.
NWRA will be working with our conservation partners, including the Friends of Alaska NWRs, to ensure Secretary Salazar finds the road not in the public interest. To learn more, please visit: http://www.refugeassociation.org/new-publications/Izembek.html
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Interior Presidential Nominee Singles Out Refuges at Confirmation Hearing
Tom Strickland, President Obama’s nominee for Assistant Secretary of Fish and Wildlife and Parks at the Department of the Interior, appeared before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on March 24, 2009 and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee March 26, 2009 for his confirmation hearings. The former U.S. District Attorney from Colorado answered questions regarding ethics in the Interior Department, the endangered species act, as well as the future of our public lands where he singled out the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) several times.
During the hearing Strickland made several comments regarding refuges including his opening statement where he explained that as an avid sportsman, he hopes to foster a vibrant Refuge System for the 21st century. In response to a question from Sen. Shaheen (D-NH) regarding the impact of climate change on our public lands, Strickland mentioned the ramifications outlined in the State of the Birds report recently released by the Department of the Interior, and the important role the Refuge System will play in addressing wildlife conservation in a changing climate. He continued to say that a major review of a the impact of climate change on our wildlife refuges is very important and should be put on a "fast forward" track to address the issue as soon as possible.
Strickland also spoke of land acquisition for public lands; specifically that funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund <http://www.refugeassociation.org/new-publications/LWCF_report.html> which takes receipts from offshore oil drilling and pumps it directly into public land acquisition, is a top priority for the Obama Administration.
Strickland is currently serving as Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar’s Chief of Staff, a position he intends to keep if confirmed as Assistant Secretary of Fish and Wildlife and Parks. He stated that if confirmed, his duties overseeing the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would take priority over his position as Chief of Staff.
Strickland will now have a final vote on his confirmation before the full Senate.
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Spotlight: Southern Nevada
When you hear Las Vegas, you think of the wild life, right? Well, for about two years, NWRA has been working with a stellar team at Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex (NWRC) to bring some profile to the magnificent wildlife that resides nearly within sight of that wild life on The Strip. At more than 1.6 million acres, Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex is among the largest of our national wildlife refuges in the Lower 48, and it sits on the urban boundary with Las Vegas in a landscape of more than 7 million acres of public land.
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Spring at Ash Meadows NWR, NV - part of the Desert Refuge Complex - supports the endemic and endangered Ash Meadows pupfish. © Evan Hirsche |
Desert NWRC’s four units, Desert, Ash Meadows, Pahranagat and Moapa Valley, provide habitat to some of the nation’s most endangered creatures: tiny desert fish such as the Ash Meadows pupfish, the Devil’s Hole pupfish, and the Moapa dace. These ancient fish depend on fossil waters found in desert springs – and as the water table drops, so do the prospects for long-term survival of these fish.
At the same time, the rugged terrain of Desert NWR provides habitat for wide ranging species such as desert bighorn sheep, mountain lions, desert tortoise, and species of conservation concern like southwestern willow flycatcher. Management challenges at Desert abound, but can be summed up as water, water, water, and habitat fragmentation.
NWRA has been working with Project Leader Cynthia Martinez and her team at Desert to create a Beyond the Boundaries program that will not only help coordinate conservation priorities among many agency and private partners, but also will begin to reach out to new audiences to build profile for the refuge among Las Vegas residents as well as visitors. Right now, NWRA is helping to create a strategic outreach and education plan for three new visitors centers scheduled to be built at Desert, Ash Meadows and Pahranagat. Meanwhile, Moapa Valley just opened its new visitors center, complete with a unique glass viewing area where visitors can see Moapa dace shimmering in the spring water.
Ultimately, NWRA hopes to link refuge visitor centers and environmental education programs not only with each other, but also with the many other outdoor exploration opportunities at public lands surrounding Las Vegas -- from the Grand Canyon to Lake Mead, Red Rocks, the Spring Mountains and Death Valley – to create a premiere visitor experience.
Like the desert itself, this is a place of extremes –the landscape offers majestic views, great hiking and a sense of wildness, at the same time it stands in the crucible where the impact of climate change, renewable energy infrastructure, and our society’s insatiable thirst for water collide. What better place to educate the public about the important role our national wildlife refuges play, both for wildlife and for the natural and spiritual resources we all need to survive?
To date, NWRA’s Beyond the Boundaries: Southern Nevada program has been generously supported by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, The Wilburforce Foundation, the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act (SNPLMA).
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Refuge Friends pose for photo before converging on Capitol Hill.
©Evan Hirsche
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Friends from 44 States Visit Congress to Support Refuge System Funding
In late February, NWRA led 228 Friends from 131 Friends groups, representing more than 146 refuges across 44 states in all 8 regions, to Capitol Hill in pursuit of increased National Wildlife Refuge System funding. The group was among the largest to advocate on Capitol Hill for the Refuge System at one time!
Friends met with more than 245 U.S. Representatives and Senators as well as key House and Senate Committee staffers, to advocate for more support for the NWRS - specifically, increased funding for operations, maintenance and land acquisition, and for member support in the Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus. Many Friends had personal meetings with members of their Congressional delegation and spoke to the challenges facing their refuges and the entire Refuge System.
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March 2 - Barbara’s Alaska Sweepstakes is open and accepting entries!
April 1 - NWRA moves to a new office. Please make a note of our new address.
May 1 - Deadline to apply for Refuge Friends Grant Program (Check NFWF's grant page for information as it becomes available.)
May 1 - 2009 NWRA Photo Contest launches
May 15 – Deadline to submit testimony to Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies (See What You Can Do)
While our wildlife refuges are well known as some of the best locations to view native wildlife in the country, many refuges are also home to significant cultural and historical artifacts as well. For example, at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge in Iowa visitors can see cargo recovered from a sunken Civil War era steamboat excavated in the 1960s. Many refuges are also rich in Native American history, including ancient Paleo-Indian archeological sites, pueblos in New Mexico, and the remains of ancient Native American communities on the Aleutian Islands.
(Sources: http://www.fws.gov/historicPreservation, http://www.fws.gov/midwest/desoto/bertrand.htm)
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