Information From The
National Wildlife Refuge Association
NWRA Partners with Swarovski Optik
Swarovski Optik of North America (SONA) and the National WIldlife Refuge Association have formed a new partnership to help advance the conservation mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Swarovski Optik, which produces precise, high-quality binoculars and telescopes for birding enthusiasts and wildlife observers, has a long history of supporting U.S. conservation efforts.
Have you wondered how to get started as a bird watcher? What equipment you'd need, what field guide to buy?
Or maybe you're already an avid birder and want ideas on how to share your interest with others.
Perhaps you'd like to get involved in protecting the habitat that is essential to migratory birds on their journeys.
You can find information on all this and more in the "How to Watch Birds" section on the RefugeNet website, sponsored by Swarovski Optik.
Visit refugenet.org and click on "Swarovski birding pages" to learn more!
Would you enjoy receiving a monthly e-newsletter on recent news in the birding and bird conservation community?
Visit http://refugenet.org/birding/birding5.html to see the archive of Swarovski Birding E-Bulletins and find out how you can be added to the list!
SOS - State of the System
An Annual Report of the Threats to the National Wildlife Refuge System
August 10, 2005 (Washington, DC)— A new report by the National Wildlife Refuge Association cites an urgent need to implement strategies that conserve lands outside national wildlife refuges. Finding that lands and waters surrounding refuges —called buffer zones—actually have more agriculture, subdivision and other human activity than the national average, the report tells the story of 12 refuges—six threatened and six rescued— that graphically illustrate why we must take action now.
For more information on the report and to download a copy, please visit the National Wildlife Refuge Association website.
NWRA 30th Anniversary - Launch of "Wildlife Refuge" Magazine
In honor of their 30th anniversary, the National Wildlife Refuge Association is offering for a limited time only, a free one-year membership. Membership also includes a subscription to their new Wildlife Refuge magazine.
"Wildlife Refuge finally gives the Refuge System long-awaited and well-deserved attention in a national publication," said Evan Hirsche, President of the NWRA. "As our premier network of lands and waters dedicated to wildlife conservation, it’s appropriate that there be a magazine for the public devoted 100% to telling the Refuge System’s story."
For more information about the NWRA or to join, please visit their website by clicking on the image of the magazine cover above, and then look for the icon that says "Free Introductory Membership".
Introducing the National Wildlife Refuge Association's Refuge Action Network
Learn about issues facing the Refuge System, and have an impact on the decisions that affect your local refuge and the Refuge System, as a whole."
"The Refuge Action Network (RAN) allows refuge advocates like you to make your voice heard on refuge issues by using this free service provided by the NWRA! RAN is a fast, easy and effective way for you to make a difference at your local refuge and throughout the System."
"By communicating with decision-makers to explain how federal government policies impact the National Wildlife Refuge System, you become a vital link between Washington, DC, and your local refuge."
It's Easy as 1-2-3!
- Go to the NWRA Web site: refugenet.org
- Click on the "Refuge Action Network" logo
- Click on "Sign-up" at the top of the page
"Once
you've signed up we will send you occasional Action Alerts by e-mail
that you can respond to with a couple clicks of your mouse!"
Click on the National Wildlife Refuge Association logo to the left for the page on their website to download some beautiful photos to your computer. They have both individual images available that can be used as "wallpaper" and a screensaver that has many wonderful images. These photos are all from various National Wildlife Refuges from around the country.
Washington,
D.C. - The National Wildlife Refuge Association and the
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation will honor two National
Wildlife Refuge System employees.
Conservation partners to recognize Refuge System employees - 2005
The awards recognize
exceptional contributions made by employees toward protecting the
National Wildlife Refuge System. Recipients, who often make use of
scarce funds and limited resources to "get the job done," have
demonstrated a dedicated career and commitment to the cause of
wildlife conservation, as well as the ability to effectively deal
with external organizations and the public to further the goals and
objectives of the Refuge System.
... Refuge System
Employee of the Year, Laura Brandt, Loxahatchee National Wildlife
Refuge - Brandt, a wildlife biologist in Florida, is active
in multiple forums working to restore the Greater Everglades
ecosystem. She is widely respected as a scientist who facilitates
communication and understanding between various partners. Her
enthusiasm and dedication have led to valuable collaborations with
partnership agencies and academic institutions.
... Paul Kroegel
Refuge Manager of the Year Award, Roy Lowe, Oregon Coast National
Wildlife Refuge Complex - Lowe has worked effectively to
build mutually productive relationships with land conservancy
groups, private landowners and American Indian tribes to add crucial
acres of rare and essential habitat to the refuge complex. His
commitment to public outreach, research and education has proven
invaluable to projects such as the acquisition and restoration of
Coquille Point and the preservation of the archeological and
cultural significance of the Ni-les'tun Unit of the Brandon Marsh
National Wildlife Refuge. About the Partners
The National Fish and
Wildlife Foundation is a nonprofit organization established by
Congress in 1984 and dedicated to the conservation of fish, wildlife
and plants, and the habitat on which they depend. The Foundation
creates partnerships between the public and private sectors to
strategically invest in conservation and the sustainable use of
natural resources. The Foundation distributed 709 grants in 2004 and
has leveraged more than $305 million in federal funds since its
establishment, for a total of more than $918 million in
on-the-ground conservation. For more information, visit
www.nfwf.org.
A nonprofit established in
1975, the National Wildlife Refuge Association is the only
organization dedicated exclusively to protecting, enhancing and
expanding the National Wildlife Refuge System, lands and waters set
aside by the American people to protect our country's diverse
wildlife heritage. Over the years we have worked to make the Refuge
System stronger and better able to address the growing challenges of
conserving wildlife in our country. By combining policy, grassroots
development and public education objectives, the Refuge Association
seeks to ensure our country continues to support a diverse spectrum
of plants and wildlife well into the future. For more information,
visit http://www.refugenet.org
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