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We are a group of citizens dedicated to preserving and protecting the natural resources of the Upper Mississippi River Refuge in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).  Mississippi River Wild’s objectives are to:
 
·        Enhance and preserve fish and wildlife habitat

·        Increase public awareness and support of the refuge

·        Advocate sound policy and adequate funding for the refuge

·        Provide educational opportunities for all ages and cultures

·        Promote volunteerism and partnerships to assist refuge staff

·        Assist the FWS in implementing refuge goals and objectives

·        Encourage diversity of native species and habitat
 
·           Encourage responsible recreation within the refuge
 
 
Current News
Upper Miss Wetland of International Importance
 

U.S. Designates Upper Mississippi River Floodplains

a Wetland of International Importance

 

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced approval of portions of the Upper Mississippi River, including the Midwest’s largest national wildlife refuge, as a Wetland of International Importance.

 

In making the announcement, Secretary Salazar said, “The ecological, social, and economic values of the Upper Mississippi River make it one of the crown jewels of this nation’s wetlands. This marks the 27th U.S. wetland designated under the Convention on Wetlands. The U.S. became a party to the convention in 1987, which now includes 150 countries. It’s certainly fitting that this area has now officially received international recognition.”

 

The designation includes just over 300,000 acres of federal and state lands and waters of the Upper Mississippi River floodplain from near Wabasha, Minn. to north of Rock Island, Ill. The designation includes all of the 240,000-acre Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge headquartered in Winona, Minn. and the adjacent 6,226-acre Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin.

 

Other designated sites in the U.S. include such wetland icons as Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia and Florida, Everglades National Park in Florida, and Horicon Marsh in Wisconsin.

 

Don Hultman, refuge manager of the Upper Mississippi River refuge, said designation is aimed at strengthening public awareness and appreciation of the role wetlands play in sustaining environmental health, economic enterprise, and recreational well-being.

 

“The upper reach of the Mississippi River is an ecological treasure,” Hultman said.

 

Hultman said the refuge and surrounding public lands in the site support more than 200 nesting pairs of bald eagles, 120 species of fish, 42 species of mussels, and provide migration habitat for up to 50 percent of the world’s population of canvasback ducks.

 

He said the site also serves as a major navigation highway for commerce and provides millions of citizens abundant hunting, fishing, and other recreational opportunities.

 

Hultman said a Wetland of International Importance designation has no effect on current jurisdiction, authorities, or management responsibility of federal, state, or local governments that partner on management of the river. He stressed that designation does not affect current river uses.

 

“All commercial and recreational uses currently allowed or allowed in the future are not affected. Designation does not dictate land and water use of any kind,” Hultman said.

 

The designation proposal was endorsed by the Department of Natural Resources of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri; the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; and seven members of Congress from the respective states.

 

With Fish and Wildlife Service approval, the designation package now goes to the Ramsar Secretariat located in Gland, Switzerland, for technical review and formal addition to the international list of wetlands which now numbers more than 1,600 sites. Formal designation is expected early in 2010.

 

For more information on the Wetlands of International Importance program, go to www.ramsar.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Refuge Association Launches 4th Annual Refuge Photo Contest
 

Washington, DC - The National Wildlife Refuge Association (NWRA) announces its 4th annual digital photo contest showcasing America's national wildlife refuges. Entries for the 2009 Refuge Photo Contest can be submitted until July 15, 2009 with results to be announced in October 2009 in connection with Refuge Week.

"Images are critical to telling the Refuge System story," said Evan Hirsche, president of NWRA. "We know that there are terrific amateur and professional photographers capturing images throughout the System. This is an opportunity for avid photographers to show their work to a broader audience and to help capture the essence of our remarkable wildlife refuges."

The National Wildlife Refuge System, comprised of 549 refuges throughout the nation, protects both rare and common types of habitat - everything from southwest desert to arctic tundra. Images submitted for the photo contest can be of birds, mammals, insects, fish, other animals, plants, people, or simply shots of refuge scenery.

This year, ATP Oil and Gas, Inc. has generously donated the $5,000 first place cash prize. Other prizes include two round trip tickets courtesy of Southwest Airlines, and offerings from Barbara's Bakery, Wild Bird Centers of America and Houghton Mifflin.

In addition, the winners' images will be highlighted on NWRA's website and future publications. At least 200 images will be selected for inclusion in the NWRA Refuge Image Library and every photographer submitting an entry will receive a complimentary one-year membership in the National Wildlife Refuge Association.

For photo contest details, requirements, and procedures, please visit:
http://www.refugeassociation.org/contest/ContestHome.html.


The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge Association is to conserve Americas wildlife heritage for future generations through strategic programs that protect, enhance, and expand the National Wildlife Refuge System and the landscapes beyond its boundaries that secure its ecological integrity.

 
 
Winona Community Leader Receives Award from Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge
  James Eddy of Winona, Minn. has received the River Guardian Award from the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge it was announced today by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Eddy, 75, was honored for his many years of service with the Friends of the Upper Mississippi River Refuges, a citizen support group which raises funds for projects, does advocacy for the refuge, and provides volunteer assistance on numerous habitat and public use projects. Eddy served as president of the group from 2001 until stepping down as president this month. He will remain active on the Friends board of directors. During his tenure, Eddy provided steady leadership to the group, especially during the often contentious years when the refuge prepared its Comprehensive Conservation Plan. He also was tireless in his efforts to inform members of Congress and the media about the values and needs of the refuge. "Jim is one of those selfless people of energy you could always count on to get the job done," according to Refuge Manager Don Hultman. "If there was a refuge-sponsored event, Jim would always be there whether it was a kid’s fishing day, tree planting, or a river clean-up."
   Eddy is no stranger to the Winona community. He was a professor of political science at Winona State University from 1965 until his retirement in 1995. He is currently on the board of directors for the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, and is president or "Top Devil Dog" of the Hiawatha Valley Marines which sponsors the successful "Toys for Tots" program each Christmas. Born in Howard Lake, Minn., Eddy attended St. John’s University and received his PhD from the University of Oklahoma. He was on active duty with the Marines from 1953-56 and served in the Marine Corps Reserve from 1966-78, attaining the rank of major.
  The River Guardian Award recognizes citizens who have demonstrated outstanding actions in the service to people and/or the resources of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. The award is presented irregularly at the discretion of the refuge manager. In addition to being the most visited refuge in the country, the "Upper Miss" Refuge has the added complexity of a major navigation system, including 11 locks and dams, within its boundary. It is also a world-class fish and wildlife area which harbors 306 species of birds; 119 species of fish; about 200 active bald eagle nests; thousands of heron and egret nests; spectacular concentrations of canvasback ducks, tundra swans, and white pelicans; and several threatened or endangered 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.