Journal

Bike and Paddle to Celebrate National Trails Day

FORHsn — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:19:35 +0000

Mississippi River Cleanup 2012

FORHsn — Wed, 09 May 2012 13:18:46 +0000

Summer of Paddling 2012: Lots of Fun Events Nearby!

FORHsn — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 03:50:28 +0000

The Summer of Paddling 2012 is a summer-long celebration of the Mississippi River, from its source in Lake Itasca, MN to its mouth in Louisiana. The Summer of Paddling consists of paddling events on the Mississippi River, many of which are for beginning canoers and kayakers. Many different agencies and groups will host the paddling events. To find paddling events over the entire length of the river and througout the summer, see the

Letter from the National Wildlife Refuge Association

FORHsn — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:49:59 +0000

Dear Refuge Professionals:

Yesterday, three representatives of the Friends community, along with the NWRA, testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies. Bob Christensen of the Friends of Deer Flat NWR in Idaho, Todd Paddock of the Friends of the Refuge Headwaters for the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge in Minnesota and NWRA's Joan Patterson, who also happens to be the President of the Friends of Potomac River Refuges in Virginia. Each one of them did an astounding job of conveying their passion about their refuge and the entire Refuge System as well as talking about the needs and challenges the System could face if presented with a 10% cut for fiscal year 2013.

You can read their testimony and that of NWRA on our website and many more Friends groups will be submitting written comments.

Best,

Desirée Sorenson-Groves

Vice President, Government Affairs

National Wildlife Refuge Association

Todd Paddock Testifies Before HR Committee Today

FORHsn — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:34:23 +0000

Dr. Todd Paddock, a Winona resident and former professor in the Sociology Department at Winona State University, was invited to testify before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies in Washington, D.C. for a scheduled Public Witness Day.

Dr. Paddock is also the current President of the Friends of the Refuge Headwaters, a citizen based non-profit organization working to support the Winona District of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. “Citizen involvement is one of the great features of the Upper Mississippi River Refuge. Volunteer ‘Friends’ groups like the Friends of the Refuge Headwaters are a good example. We help the staff with work on the Refuge, sponsor public outings for youth and adults, sponsor outings, and advocate on behalf of the Refuge” said Paddock.

Paddock was encouraged to testify by the National Wildlife Refuge Association, a national organization who mobilizes citizens to build a comprehensive grassroots network of refuge Friends group throughout the country.

Paddock noted that “People in this area truly care about the Upper Mississippi River Refuge, because the river is part of our regional heritage. In the same way, the century-old National Wildlife Refuge System is part of our national heritage. It’s up to us to continue that commitment.”

Dr Paddock is scheduled to testify on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. (Eastern time).