The US Fish and Wildlife service is seeking public comment on the Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The plan will guide the management of some 12,000 acres of habitat in eight separate units along a thirty plus mile section of the Minnesota River. For more information on the proposed plan and information on having your voice heard, click here.
Also this past week the USFWS announced the appointment of Vaughn T. Collins as the Chief of the Federal Duck Stamp Office. Mr. Collins, a Massachusetts native now residing in Virginia, has stated as part of his goal as Chief “…to expand the Junior Duck Stamp Program, which prepares young conservationists for the future, and increase the sales of Duck Stamps among hunters and conservationists…: citing the benefits of the revenue from Stamp sales as key to the function and funding of our National Wildlife Refuges. TO read the FWS press realease about Mr. Collins and his vision for the future of the Federal Duck Stamp program, click here.
With rain falling across the prairie, breeding birds now face the double edged sword of relief from drought conditions. Though rain is more than welcome, the possibility of hail and nest inundation can bring a downside. But more water also means that hens seeking to re-nest will have better chances of success with more areas holding water. It is a pivotal time in the duck factory, let?s keep our fingers crossed and our prayers with the birds.
