Celebrate over 100 years of Conservation with the National Wildlife Refuge System
October 6, 2009 by USFWS
Dust off your hiking boots, grab the fishing pole or dig out those binoculars…National Wildlife Refuge Week is heading your way, October 11-17. "It is my hope that citizens across the country will take advantage of this weeklong celebration to experience wildlife in their natural habitats and play a firsthand role in conservation by participating in special events and programs, or simply observing and enjoying the great outdoors at a local refuge," said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. Find a refuge near you.
Efforts Made to Reduce Oil, Bird Encounters
October 1, 2009 by USFWS
A broad-based cooperative effort among state and federal agencies and corporate entities is helping to reduce the number of deaths of migratory birds and other wildlife attracted to oil field waste pits. Working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, many operators have taken preventive measures to reduce these losses, currently estimated at least a half-million birds annually.
Environmental Contaminants Program
Efforts Made to Reduce Oil, Bird Encounters
October 1, 2009 by USFWS
A broad-based cooperative effort among state and federal agencies and corporate entities is helping to reduce the number of deaths of migratory birds and other wildlife attracted to oil field waste pits. Working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, many operators have taken preventive measures to reduce these losses, currently estimated at least a half-million birds annually.
Environmental Contaminants Program
Service Releases Climate Change Strategy for Public Review and Comment Builds on Secretary Salazar’s DOI Climate Change Order
September 23, 2009 by USFWS
As part of the Department of the Interior’s commitment to building a coordinated strategy to respond to the impacts of climate change on the nation’s natural resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today releases a proposed strategic plan that will guide the agency’s efforts to respond to the unprecedented threat posed by global warming.
National Wildlife Refuges to be Featured on New Quarters
September 9, 2009 by USFWS
Block Island National Wildlife Refuge in Rhode Island and Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Delaware will be featured on quarters with reverse (tails side) designs as part of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program, which showcases national wildlife refuges, parks or other federally preserved area from each state, U.S. territory, and the District of Columbia.
“The new quarter program recognizes that public places of inspiration and recreation have always been important to Americans,” said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. “The quarters highlight the diversity and magnificence of 48 National Park Service sites and two U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service refuges cared for by the Department of the Interior as well as six national forests administered by the Department of Agriculture. Hopefully the coins will encourage people to learn more about each area and its significance to our heritage.”
Block Island NWR News Release (Dept. of Treasury)
Bombay Hook NWR News Release (Dept. of Treasury)
Mussel Traffickers to Serve Prison Terms, Pay Restitution
September 3, 2009 by USFWS
Three individuals who were involved in a conspiracy to illegally harvest and export undersized freshwater mussels taken from U.S. rivers have been sentenced to pay $65,000 in restitution and serve Federal prison terms of 12, 20 and 24 months. The three were successfully prosecuted on Lacey Act charges as the result of a multi-year undercover investigation of large-scale mussel trafficking conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. During the case, investigators linked at least 17 individuals to the conspiracy and discovered that as many as 240,000 individual mussels were unlawfully taken, sold and exported to Japan and other countries over a two-year period.
Salazar Announces Guidelines to Protect Indiana Bat from Surface Coal Mining Impacts
September 3, 2009 by USFWS
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced the availability of coal mining guidelines developed to conserve and protect the endangered Indiana bat. The bat’s habitat stretches from the eastern United States through the Midwest, including 13 states with coal mining operations.
Secretary Salazar Performs Honorary Swearing-in Ceremony for Service Director Sam Hamilton.
September 1, 2009 by USFWS
Secretary Salazar performed the honorary swearing-in of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Sam Hamilton. Hamilton will lead the nation’s principal federal agency dedicated to the conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats, overseeing nearly 9,000 employees located in all 50 states and U.S. territories. “We’ve got a great team, and I’m ready to hit the ground running,” said Hamilton at the conclusion of his swearing-in.
Fish and Wildlife Service Announces Key Career Leadership Selections
August 31, 2009 by USFWS
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Sam D. Hamilton announced today the selection of Dan Ashe and Rowan Gould to serve as deputy directors for the agency. Gould, who has served as acting director since January 2009, will be deputy director for operations. Ashe, who has served as science advisor to the director since 2003, will be deputy director for policy.
Video Game Takes Kids Outside
August 27, 2009 by USFWS
The Service is launching a new online video game aimed to encourage kids to go outside and learn about the environment. Designed for children ages 8 to 11 years old, Neighborhood Explorers is accessed through the Let’s Go Outside website. Play the game, win the patches and get a free tree from Arbor Day Foundation
Service Provides Nearly $3 Million in Funding to Benefit Fish Habitat
August 25, 2009 by USFWS
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is providing more than $2.7 million to support 52 fish habitat projects in 26 states across the nation. An additional $4.7 million in partner contributions, over $7.4 million in total, will go toward restoring and enhancing stream, lake and coastal habitat, as well as to improving recreational fishing and helping endangered species. The funding is directed to priority projects under the National Fish Habitat Action Plan, which leverages federal, state and privately-raised funds for building partnerships that address the Nation’s biggest fish habitat issues.
Ohio River Islands Refuge Named 2009 Environmental Leadership Refuge of the Year
August 24, 2009 by USFWS
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has selected Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge in West Virginia for the 2009 Refuge of the Year Environmental Leadership Award. The award annually recognizes Service facilities and individuals for their outstanding leadership and commitment to the environment. The refuge was recognized for the construction and operation of its administrative building and visitor center, an ENERGY STAR Building incorporating local, recycled and renewable materials.
