Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week October 10-16, 2010
Washington, DC –-(Ammoland.com)- What is a perfect way to celebrate America’s rich wildlife heritage?
Go outdoors and enjoy the natural world around you. See for yourself during National Wildlife Refuge Week, October 10-16.
Whether you hike or paddle, fish or hunt, enjoy a family event or lie in wait to capture that prize-winning animal photo, you’ll find plenty to see on a wildlife refuge — one of 552 units in the National Wildlife Refuge System, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. You will also find much to learn, through refuge talks and exhibits and displays on cultural heritage. Friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you get started.
This year’s National Wildlife Refuge Week focuses on our most pristine and undeveloped natural lands, particularly those in the 19.3-million-acre Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2010.
“In its vastness, remoteness and beauty, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge awes and humbles us and puts our human ambitions in perspective,” says Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. Because it is one of the last relatively undisturbed ecosystems on the planet, he notes, the Arctic Refuge is also the site of vital research on climate change, predator-prey relationships and species decline. “This land has been entrusted to the American people,” says Salazar.
“The challenge for us is to be enlightened stewards of the land, preserve its character and oversee it with respect.”
Salazar expressed hope that National Wildlife Refuge Week celebrations will prompt citizens nationwide to discover a renewed sense of wonder in nature and take action to conserve wildlife.
“Americans should take pride in their country’s great wildlife legacy,” says Salazar.
National Wildlife Refuges are dedicated to the conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats. The nation’s 552 national wildlife refuges and 37 wetland management districts also offer a wide range of wildlife-dependent recreation — from fishing, boating, hunting and hiking to wildlife observation and photography, nature interpretation and environmental education. Refuges offer many programs and events geared to families and children. These include festivals, junior naturalist classes, boating and fishing instruction, crafts and more.
The Refuge System includes more than 2,500 miles of land and water trails. There is at least one National Wildlife Refuge in every state and one within an hour’s drive of most major cities.
Amateur radio enthusiasts once again are supporting Refuge Week by operating special event stations on several wildlife refuges. Ham radio operators at refuge stations will communicate with operators at other refuge stations as well as stations across the United States promoting refuges. Amateur radio operators must obtain permission from the refuge manager to operate within the boundaries of a national wildlife refuge. Interested licensed operators can find a registration form and more information at: http://www.nwrweek-radio.info.
- For more information on National Wildlife Refuge Week events: http://www.fws.gov/refuges/SpecialEvents/FWS_SpecialEvents_DisplayCategory.cfm
- For more information on a specific refuge: http://www.fws.gov/refuges/refugeLocatorMaps/
For more information on the Arctic Refuge, including a timeline of refuge history, visit http://arctic.fws.gov/50th.htm. To learn more about Arctic Refuge 50th anniversary events, see http://www.fws.gov/refuges/mediatipsheet/Stories/201009_50YearCelebrationsArcticAndIzembekRefuges.html See also, on Facebook, “Arctic National Wildlife Refuge 50th Anniversary Celebration.”
About:
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.