Restored Mispillion Wetland of Delaware Offsets Losses from Superfund Site
October 6, 2008
Along the Mispillion River in Kent County, Del., an eroded, degraded marsh has been transformed into vital habitat for local wildlife. The 56-acre private site consists of one of the river’s original meanders and associated wetland with more than 2,000 feet of river frontage. Today, representatives from the public-private partnership that made the project possible gathered to celebrate its success with a tour of the site.
This restoration, which was completed in June, is a Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) project for the DuPont Newport Superfund Site located in Wilmington, Del. The Trustees, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (US FWS), were authorized to recover damages to trust resources associated with a release of a hazardous waste at the NewPort site.
The Trustees worked cooperatively with DuPont to identify a project that would replace the resources lost at the Newport Superfund Site. The restoration site selected was one of 40 considered.
“This project proves that the public and private sectors can create a magnificent legacy when they solve environmental problems together,” said Sheryl Telford, director of the DuPont Corporate Remediation Group. “It was a pleasure working with the Trustees to select and restore this stretch of the Mispillion River.”
Over the past 50 years, this site had taken a beating. The oxbow channel had filled in. The marsh was degraded by sediment and infested with phragmites (Phragmites australis), an invasive plant. The western edge of the marsh was severely eroded due to boat wakes. All this, coupled with the highly erodible soils, meant certain death for the marsh without intervention.
The Trustees came up with a plan. In order to reopen the long-silted-in oxbow, sediment was dredged out and spread over the marsh in a thin layer. They also dredged selected mudflats that were once tidal pools, creating vital fish rearing areas.
To provide immediate protection from erosive forces such as boat wakes, large diameter woody debris (LWD), were anchored along the riverbank in a crisscross pattern. The LWD consisted of green hardwood trees between 12 and 25 feet long with a root ball. In addition, rows of coir logs (made of coconut fiber) were placed behind the LWD.
This less intrusive bioengineering method not only protects the river bank but also traps organic and mineral sediment while providing roosting, nesting and foraging opportunities for fish and wildlife.
“This successful cleanup and restoration is a great example of the efforts NOAA’s Damage Assessment Remediation and Restoration Program encourages,” said Robert Haddad, NOAA Chief - Assessment and Restoration Division. “Working with our partners and co-trustees, we have been able to repair a degraded marsh and restore important habitat.”
Restoration of the marsh began with the removal of phragmites. The marsh responded, and now a more diverse plant community covers 90 percent of the area, including salt marsh cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora), which began to grow on its own after the phragmites were removed. Native plants, such as pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), arrow arum (Peltandra virginica) and salt marsh cordgrass now dominate the site. Wild rice (Zizania aquatica) also has begun to colonize areas where the soil is in thin layers.
“By removing the invasive plants, native vegetation has come back to the marsh, providing critical habitat for local and migratory birds,” said Michael Thabault, Northeast Assistant Regional Director - Ecological Services, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “The natural materials used to protect the river bank will also enhance habitat for fish.”
The restoration site will remain in private hands, with a conservation easement held and enforced by DNREC, which will also take responsibility for the project following a five-year monitoring phase.
“We utilized the expertise of all the agencies involved to protect a river, restore a beautiful wetland, and recover resources lost at a Superfund site. This is the how the Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration partnership works,” said DNREC Secretary John A. Hughes. “Working together to restore and enhance Delaware’s living resources will yield environmental benefits far into the future.”
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Kempthorne Announces Proposal to Protect 48 Hawaii Species
October 6, 2008
New Ecosystem-based Approach Provides Hope
HONOLULU, HI - Applying a newly developed, ecosystem-based approach to species conservation, the Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne today announced a proposal to add 48 species found only on the island of Kauai to the federal endangered species list and designate critical habitat. This new approach, undertaken by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, provides hope for Kauai’s natural ecosystems and the species that call them home. The 48 species include 45 plants, two birds and one Hawaiian picture-wing fly.
“By addressing the common threats that occur across these ecosystems, we can more effectively focus our conservation efforts on restoring the functions of these shared habitats,” said Secretary Kempthorne. “This holistic approach will benefit the recovery of the listed species and also all the species within the native ecological community.”
The new ecosystem-based approach to the listing and critical habitat designation process is designed to protect multiple species that occur in shared ecosystems and experience common threats. Critical habitat was identified using the best available scientific information.
“Kauai, the oldest island of the main Hawaiian Islands, has been called a ‘treasure trove of biodiversity’ and is believed to house the greatest diversity of plants in the state,” said Patrick Leonard, Field Supervisor, Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office. “Therefore, it is appropriate that we begin this new approach to listing species and designating critical habitat in Kauai.”
Over the next several years, the Service plans to use the ecosystem approach to propose listing and designating critical habitat for all of the endemic candidate species from the Hawaiian Islands, one rule each for Oahu, Hawaii and Maui Nui (Maui, Molokai and Lanai). The Service will also propose a single rule for Hawaiian species that are found on multiple islands. Each rule will propose endangered or threatened status for each species and will also propose critical habitat for species when prudent.
Today’s proposed listing of 48 species includes 45 plants, two Kauai birds - the akikiki and akekee - and one Hawaiian picture-wing fly. (The full list of all 48 species can be found at the end of this release)
The species are found in six ecosystem types ranging from rainforest mountains to moist lowlands and dry cliffs. Although most of the species are found in just a single ecosystem, a few of them occur in more than one of the ecosystems. A total of 22 separate geographic areas comprising 27,674 acres in 6 different ecosystem types are being proposed as critical habitat. Of the total proposed acres, 26,028 acres overlap existing critical habitat for other species and 1,646 acres are proposed as new critical habitat. The majority of the proposed critical habitat (21,704 acres) is located on State of Hawaii lands, while 5,970 acres are located on private lands owned by approximately 12 different landowners.
In today’s proposal, critical habitat for one of the 48 species, the plant Pritchardia hardyi, was considered not prudent and is not being proposed because this rare palm is attractive to illegal collectors. A critical habitat designation could increase its risk of collection by alerting collectors to its location.
This proposed rule departs significantly from the Service’s recent efforts to designate critical habitat for threatened and endangered species in Hawaii. In the past, the Service focused critical habitat designations on small areas known to be recently occupied by the species. However, the Service rarely had species-specific information sufficient enough to determine if those areas occupied by the remaining individuals of a species were the best areas to emphasize for future conservation efforts.
Species that are endemic to single islands are inherently more vulnerable to extinction than widespread species because of the higher risks posed to a few populations and individuals by genetic bottlenecks, random demographic fluctuations, climate change and localized catastrophes such as hurricanes and disease outbreaks. These problems are further magnified when populations are few and restricted to a very limited geographic area and the number of individuals is very small.
All of the Kauai species are threatened by ongoing destruction or modification of habitat due to feral ungulates such as pigs and goats, nonnative plants and hurricanes. Several Kauai species are threatened by destruction or modification of habitat due to fire, landslides and flooding. In addition to the threats to their habitat, one or more of the 48 species are threatened by limited numbers, predation, competition from nonnative plants, lack of reproduction, diseases, vandalism and over collection.
Given the number of listed species in Hawaii, designations based solely on the historical distributions of individual species have created an overlapping patchwork of critical habitat that has not been optimal in directing conservation efforts for these species and Hawaii?s natural communities. Ecosystem-based critical habitat designation identifies areas most appropriate for conservation action; focusing recovery planning and actions in these areas will benefit a suite of species, including non-listed native species.
Critical habitat is a term in the Endangered Species Act. It identifies specific geographic areas that contain features essential for the conservation of a threatened or endangered species and which may require special management considerations. The designation of critical habitat does not affect land ownership or establish a refuge, wilderness, reserve, preserve, or other special conservation area. It does not allow government or public access to private lands. However, federal agencies that undertake, fund or permit activities that may affect critical habitat are required to consult with the Service to ensure such actions do not adversely modify or destroy designated critical habitat.
Habitat is also protected through cooperative measures under the ESA, including Habitat Conservation Plans, Safe Harbor Agreements, Candidate Conservation Agreements and state programs. In addition, voluntary partnership programs such as the Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife program also restore habitat. Habitat for listed species is provided on many of the Service’s National Wildlife Refuges, and state wildlife management areas.
The proposal was sent to the Federal Register today for publication, which will begin a 60-day public comment period. During the 60-day public comment period the Service is accepting all comments on the proposed rule but is specifically seeking information concerning:
- Biological, commercial trade or other relevant data concerning threats (or lack thereof) to these species;
- Additional information about the range, distribution and population sizes of these species, including the locations of any additional populations;
- Any information on the biological or ecological requirements of these species;
- Current or planned activities in the areas occupied by these species and possible impacts of these activities on these species;
- Which areas would be appropriate as critical habitat for these species and why they should be proposed for designation as critical habitat; and
- Reasons why areas should or should not be designated as critical habitat, and why the benefits of designation would outweigh threats to the species that a designation could cause, to ensure that the designation of critical habitat is prudent.
Once the proposal is published in the Federal Register in the near future, comments may be sent via the Internet to http://www.regulations.gov
. Comments may also be mailed or hand-delivered to: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-RA-ES-2008-0046; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222; Arlington, VA 22203. All comments and materials received will be made available for public inspection.
For more information contact: Patrick Leonard, Field Supervisor, Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office, 300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 3-122, Box 50088, Honolulu, Hawaii 96850 (Telephone 808-792-9400, Fax 808-792-9581).
Copies of the proposed rule may be downloaded from the Service’s website at www.fws.gov/pacificislands or by calling the Fish and Wildlife Service?s Honolulu office at 808-792-9400.
Note to Editors: Images are available by calling Ken Foote at 808-792-9535.
The species proposed for listing are:
| Plants (45) | |
| Common Name | Scientific Name |
| Painiu | Astelia waialealae |
| Awikiwiki | Canavalia napaliensis |
| Akoko | Chamaesyce eleanoriae |
| Akoko | Chamaesyce remyi var. kauaiensis |
| Akoko | Chamaesyce remyi var. remyi |
| Papala | Charpentiera densiflora |
| Haha | Cyanea dolichopoda |
| Haha | Cyanea eleeleensis |
| Haha | Cyanea kolekoleensis |
| Haha | Cyanea kuhihewa |
| Haiwale | Cyrtandra oenobarba |
| Haiwale | Cyrtandra paliku |
| No common name | Diellia mannii |
| No common name | Doryopteris angelica |
| No common name | Dryopteris crinalis var. podosorus |
| Naenae | Dubuatia imbricata ssp. imbricata |
| Naenae | Dubautia kalalauensis |
| Naenae | Dubautia kenwoodii |
| Naenae | Dubautia plantaginea ssp. magnifolia |
| Naenae | Dubautia waialealae |
| Nohoanu | Geranium kauaiense |
| No common name | Keysseria erici |
| No common name | Keysseria helenae |
| Kamakahala | Labordia helleri |
| Kamakahala | Labordia pumila |
| Lehua makanoe | Lysimachia daphnoides |
| No common name | Lysimachia iniki |
| No common name | Lysimachia pendens |
| No common name | Lysimachia scopulensis |
| No common name | Lysimachia venosa |
| Alani | Melicope degeneri |
| Alani | Melicope paniculata |
| Alani | Melicope puberula |
| Kolea | Myrsine knudsenii |
| Kolea | Myrsine mezii |
| No common name | Phyllostegia renovans |
| Hoawa | Pittosporum napaliense |
| pilo kea lau lii | Platydesma rostrata |
| Loulu | Pritchardia hardyi |
| Kopiko | Psychotria grandiflora |
| Kopiko | Psychotria hobdyi |
| No common name | Schiedea attenuata |
| No common name | Stenogyne kealiae |
| ohe ohe | Tetraplasandra bisattenuata |
| ohe ohe | Tetraplasandra flynnii |
| Animals (3) | |
| Common Name | Scientific Name |
| Akekee | Loxops caeruleirostris |
| Akikiki | Oreomystis bairdi |
| Hawaiian picture-wing fly | Drosophila attigua |
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Reward Offered for Information on Illegal Shooting of a Sandhill Crane near Wisconsin Rapids
October 6, 2008
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a reward and asking the public for information regarding the illegal shooting of a sandhill crane. The crane is believed to have been shot in late August in the vicinity of U.S. Highway 54 and 32nd Street in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
The crane remained in the area and was finally captured on Sept. 28. The arrow was removed and the crane is currently under the care of a rehabilitation facility in Antigo, Wis.
The arrow was recovered and Agents from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources are currently investigating. We ask that anyone with information regarding this incident call the Wisconsin Turn-in-Poachers hotline at 1-800-TIP-WDNR. (1-800-847-9367)
Sandhill cranes are a federally protected migratory bird and this act is a violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Wisconsin wildlife laws.
Note to Editors: Hi-Resolution photos of the injured crane can be downloaded at: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/News/Release08-80.html
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 http://www.fws.gov
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Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week in Your State October 12-18, 2008
October 6, 2008
Whether it’s taking a walk among the fall colors, spotting a rare bird species, or learning about the cultural resources that are part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s conservation mission, National Wildlife Refuge Week, October 12-18, 2008, celebrates the diversity and resources of America’s 548 national wildlife refuges. And it’s a great opportunity to find a family event in your community.
National wildlife refuges are dedicated to the conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats. They also offer a wide range of wildlife-dependent recreation–from hunting and fishing to wildlife observation, wildlife photography, nature interpretation and environmental education. The Refuge System includes 2,500 miles of land and water trails, and there is at least one national wildlife refuge in every state and one within an hour’s drive of most major cities.
“America’s wildlife refuges offer great places to teach our children the importance of making a lifelong commitment to our nation?s natural resources,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director H. Dale Hall. “Exploring the outdoors and learning how all living things are connected to one another is what National Wildlife Refuge Week is all about.”
This year, the annual Refuge Week celebration also highlights the 75th anniversary of the Federal Duck Stamp and the 50th anniversary of the Small Wetlands Program. These two programs have helped the Refuge System expand to its current size of 97 million acres.
Ninety-eight cents of every dollar generated by the sale of Federal Duck Stamps goes toward the purchase or lease of wetland habitat for the National Wildlife Refuge System. To date, Duck Stamp sales have helped purchase or protect more than 5.2 million acres of wildlife habitat. For more information about Duck Stamps, go to http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/.
The Small Wetlands Program was created in 1958 to allow proceeds from the sale of Duck Stamps to also be used to acquire waterfowl production areas (WPAs). These WPAs provide habitat for migratory birds, protect native plants, help filter groundwater, control flooding and capture carbon from the atmosphere. Close to one million acres of land acquired through the Small Wetlands Program is open to hunting, wildlife watching and photography and other outdoor recreation.
National Wildlife Refuge Week events:
Many special events are planned for National Wildlife Refuge Week. Here’s a sample:
The Big Sit!
Celebrate the birds on a national wildlife refuge on October 12 by participating in The Big Sit! National wildlife refuges from Wheeler, Alabama, and Pelican Island, Florida, to DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge in Missouri Valley, Iowa, and Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge in Salem, Oregon, are hosting this annual international birding event.
Families and individuals find a great spot for bird watching and sit in a circle, counting all the bird species they see or hear. Not everyone needs to stay in the circle for the whole day. Many people come and go, but only birds seen from the circle can be included in the Big Sit count. Bird Watcher’s Digest tallies the totals and identifies prize winners in several categories.
For a list of The Big Sit! sites, including many not on national wildlife refuges, go to: http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/funbirds/bigsit/results08/circles_registered.php.
October 3
Visitors to Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge (North Dakota) will be building bluebird nest boxes. http://www.fws.gov/lakeilo/
October 4
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (Maryland) celebrates its 13th Refuge Open House with eagle prowls, live animal programs, a puppet show about invasive species and live animal exhibits. http://www.fws.gov/blackwater/
October 10
Patuxent Research Refuge (Maryland) joins with Smithsonian Resident Associates to offer a behind-the-scenes tour of captive breeding programs for whooping cranes and conservation-related research on kestrels and diving ducks. http://www.fws.gov/northeast/patuxent/
October 11
Horicon National Wildlife Refuge (Wisconsin) is planning a 5K run/walk along its auto tour route. Three hiking trails are located here, along with a floating boardwalk and bicycling and hiking access to the Wild Goose State Trail. http://www.fws.gov/midwest/horicon/
October 11
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (Georgia) celebrates the cultural resources of the National Wildlife Refuge System with an open house at the Chesser Island Homestead, where visitors can discover how people lived in Southeast Georgia at the time the refuge was established in 1933. http://www.fws.gov/okefenokee
October 18
Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge (Illinois)
Located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, the refuge gives visitors a chance to see the huge concentrations of waterfowl that arrive each October. The refuge’s riverbanks are also great places to see muskrat, beaver, turtles and frogs. http://www.fws.gov/midwest/tworivers/
October 21-22
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge (Florida) celebrates Ding Darling Days with free excursions to the protected Bunche Beach Preserve, a stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail, which teems with shorebirds, wading birds, ospreys, bald eagles and other feathered friends. Join local bird experts for a tram excursion to this natural beach habitat at low tide.
http://www.dingdarlingdays.com/
Calendar of National Wildlife Refuge Week Events
For a more comprehensive list of National Wildlife Refuge Week events, go to http://www.fws.gov/refuges/SpecialEvents/FWS_SpecialEvents_Search.cfm
To find a refuge in your community, go to http://www.fws.gov/refuges/refugeLocatorMaps/index.html.
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 www.fws.gov.
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The California and Nevada Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Awards $2.1 Million in Conservation Grants
October 6, 2008
The California and Nevada Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has awarded $2,101,027 to the California Department of Fish and Game, Nevada Division of Forestry and Nevada Department of Wildlife under Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act for conservation projects that protect candidate, proposed or listed species.
Because more than half of all species currently listed as endangered or threatened spend at least part of their life cycle on privately owned lands, the Service recognizes that success in conserving species will ultimately depend on working cooperatively with landowners, communities and Tribes to foster voluntary stewardship efforts on private lands. State agencies play a key role in these efforts. These Conservation Grants are available through the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund.
The following grants have been funded:
California Department of Fish and Game:
Monitoring lead exposure in the California condor: $750,000
This is a new grant that funds research to document all sources of lead exposure in California condors following the July 2008 ban on lead in condor range.
Implementing recovery for federally-listed species in the state: $420,000
This grant funds recovery and conservation activities for a number of imperiled species.
Control threats to colonies of the California least tern: $250,000
From the Mexican border to the San Francisco Bay, provide surveillance and protection to tern colonies, as well as obtaining data to monitor their population and nesting success.
Santa Cruz Island fox recovery: $250,000
A multi-agency effort is under way to increase the population of the Island fox.
Management and recovery of endangered plants on the Santa Rosa Plains: $96,542
This funds an investigation of the reproductive ecology of Burke’s goldfields, Sonoma sunshine, and Sebastopol meadowfoam.
Nevada Department of Wildlife:
Fish recovery: $194,102
This grant includes recovery activities for sensitive fish species in the White River Valley, Pahranagat Valley, Railroad Valley, Virgin River, Muddy River, as well as recovery actions for the Pahrump poolfish, razorback sucker and bonytail, Devils Hole pupfish and Lahontan cutthroat trout.
Bull trout assessment: $37,483
The grant funds recovery activities related to bull trout in the Jarbidge River and Lower Slide Creek.
Breeding bird surveys: $27,900
Funds survey and monitoring efforts related to the southwestern willow fly-catcher and yellow-billed cuckoo
Nevada Division of Forestry:
Seed Banking Program: $37,500
Funds long-term seed storage grant for sensitive plant species, including the Churchill Narrows buckwheat, which is a federal candidate species.
Nursery propagation for rare and sensitive butterfly host plants: $37,500
Funds the nursery propagation of rare plants and sensitive butterfly host plants for at risk species habitat restoration, including the Las Vegas buckwheat, which is a federal candidate species.
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 http://www.fws.gov/cno.
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Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week in Your State October 12-18, 2008
September 29, 2008
Whether it’s taking a walk among the fall colors, spotting a rare bird species, or learning about the cultural resources that are part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s conservation mission, National Wildlife Refuge Week, October 12-18, 2008, celebrates the diversity and resources of America’s 548 national wildlife refuges. And it’s a great opportunity to find a family event in your community.
National wildlife refuges are dedicated to the conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats. They also offer a wide range of wildlife-dependent recreation–from hunting and fishing to wildlife observation, wildlife photography, nature interpretation and environmental education. The Refuge System includes 2,500 miles of land and water trails, and there is at least one national wildlife refuge in every state and one within an hour’s drive of most major cities.
“America’s wildlife refuges offer great places to teach our children the importance of making a lifelong commitment to our nation?s natural resources,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director H. Dale Hall. “Exploring the outdoors and learning how all living things are connected to one another is what National Wildlife Refuge Week is all about.”
This year, the annual Refuge Week celebration also highlights the 75th anniversary of the Federal Duck Stamp and the 50th anniversary of the Small Wetlands Program. These two programs have helped the Refuge System expand to its current size of 97 million acres.
Ninety-eight cents of every dollar generated by the sale of Federal Duck Stamps goes toward the purchase or lease of wetland habitat for the National Wildlife Refuge System. To date, Duck Stamp sales have helped purchase or protect more than 5.2 million acres of wildlife habitat. For more information about Duck Stamps, go to http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/.
The Small Wetlands Program was created in 1958 to allow proceeds from the sale of Duck Stamps to also be used to acquire waterfowl production areas (WPAs). These WPAs provide habitat for migratory birds, protect native plants, help filter groundwater, control flooding and capture carbon from the atmosphere. Close to one million acres of land acquired through the Small Wetlands Program is open to hunting, wildlife watching and photography and other outdoor recreation.
National Wildlife Refuge Week events:
Many special events are planned for National Wildlife Refuge Week. Here’s a sample:
The Big Sit!
Celebrate the birds on a national wildlife refuge on October 12 by participating in The Big Sit! National wildlife refuges from Wheeler, Alabama, and Pelican Island, Florida, to DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge in Missouri Valley, Iowa, and Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge in Salem, Oregon, are hosting this annual international birding event.
Families and individuals find a great spot for bird watching and sit in a circle, counting all the bird species they see or hear. Not everyone needs to stay in the circle for the whole day. Many people come and go, but only birds seen from the circle can be included in the Big Sit count. Bird Watcher’s Digest tallies the totals and identifies prize winners in several categories.
For a list of The Big Sit! sites, including many not on national wildlife refuges, go to: http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/funbirds/bigsit/results08/circles_registered.php.
October 3
Visitors to Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge (North Dakota) will be building bluebird nest boxes. http://www.fws.gov/lakeilo/
October 4
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (Maryland) celebrates its 13th Refuge Open House with eagle prowls, live animal programs, a puppet show about invasive species and live animal exhibits. http://www.fws.gov/blackwater/
October 10
Patuxent Research Refuge (Maryland) joins with Smithsonian Resident Associates to offer a behind-the-scenes tour of captive breeding programs for whooping cranes and conservation-related research on kestrels and diving ducks. http://www.fws.gov/northeast/patuxent/
October 11
Horicon National Wildlife Refuge (Wisconsin) is planning a 5K run/walk along its auto tour route. Three hiking trails are located here, along with a floating boardwalk and bicycling and hiking access to the Wild Goose State Trail. http://www.fws.gov/midwest/horicon/
October 11
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (Georgia) celebrates the cultural resources of the National Wildlife Refuge System with an open house at the Chesser Island Homestead, where visitors can discover how people lived in Southeast Georgia at the time the refuge was established in 1933. http://www.fws.gov/okefenokee
October 18
Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge (Illinois)
Located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, the refuge gives visitors a chance to see the huge concentrations of waterfowl that arrive each October. The refuge’s riverbanks are also great places to see muskrat, beaver, turtles and frogs. http://www.fws.gov/midwest/tworivers/
October 21-22
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge (Florida) celebrates Ding Darling Days with free excursions to the protected Bunche Beach Preserve, a stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail, which teems with shorebirds, wading birds, ospreys, bald eagles and other feathered friends. Join local bird experts for a tram excursion to this natural beach habitat at low tide.
http://www.dingdarlingdays.com/
Calendar of National Wildlife Refuge Week Events
For a more comprehensive list of National Wildlife Refuge Week events, go to http://www.fws.gov/refuges/SpecialEvents/FWS_SpecialEvents_Search.cfm
To find a refuge in your community, go to http://www.fws.gov/refuges/refugeLocatorMaps/index.html.
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 www.fws.gov.
Related posts
Arkansas in Second Year of Project to Test Convenience of Electronic Duck Stamp
September 25, 2008
LITTLE ROCK – In an effort to make federal duck stamp purchasing more convenient, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is beginning the second year of a three year program to test electronic stamps. The AGFC, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is testing the pilot program to make it simpler for hunters, birdwatchers and stamp collectors to buy Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps, commonly known as duck stamps.
The pilot program allows the AGFC along with fish and wildlife agencies in the states of Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Texas and Wisconsin, to sell stamps electronically through their individual automated licensing systems providing proof of purchase.
This proof of purchase – a unique code given to the purchaser instantly, will be accepted as evidence of the federal duck stamp purchase for 45 days. This will give the purchaser – time enough for the physical stamp to arrive in the mail. Duck Stamp purchasers will now be able to buy an electronic duck stamp from Arkansas and the other eight states’ retail licensing locations or by telephone or by their website.
Every waterfowl hunter over the age of 16 is required to buy a federal duck stamp in order to hunt waterfowl. In addition, federal duck stamps provide free entry into any national wildlife refuge in the country