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Ranchland Conservation: Protecting Florida’s Water, Wildlife and our Local Food Supply

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Ranchland Conservation: Protecting Florida’s Water, Wildlife and our Local Food Supply

In the southern half of Florida, well-maintained cattle ranches are the most desired land use (other than purely native habitat) as the pasture mimics much of the native landscape’s ecological functions and supports wildlife endemic to this open prairie region.

Wild About Wildlife Refuges Spring Campaign

Wild About Wildlife Refuges Spring Campaign

We are again being reminded of the important role nature and the outdoors play during times of crisis and stress. Connecting with nature improves our physical and emotional health, which is why it is important for us to continue to promote, protect, and enhance the National Wildlife Refuge System. Today is Earth Day and the launch of our 2020 Spring Campaign. We have a $50,000 goal so that we can continue to promote, protect, and enhance the National Wildlife Refuge System. To add to the excitement, a few donors have pledged to match any donations up to $50,000. That means when you donate you are doubling the gift for wildlife refuges!

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Working For Leatherback Sea Turtles During The COVID-19 Crisis

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Working For Leatherback Sea Turtles During The COVID-19 Crisis

Puerto Rico has taken some of the most forceful steps of any U.S. jurisdiction to try to stop the spread of COVID-19. These mandates put a hold on our new project to restore nesting beaches for leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) in Puerto Rico. In spite of the constraints, I am working on the project where possible. I have even enlisted my family in helping to collect and plant seeds that will eventually grow to plants that we will re-plant on nesting beaches to reduce erosion and as natural fences to avoid road kills.

Our Regional Representatives, The Gig Economy & Introducing Our Newest Addition To The Team

A term that has risen to the forefront as of late is the “gig economy”. It is a new way that some companies work in that they hire independent contractors instead of full-time employees. The National Wildlife Refuge Association has been using this concept for several years to complement our full-time staff in order to wisely use the funding we receive and build a more responsive conservation non-profit organization.

Examining the New Draft Regulations: Expanding Hunting and Fishing on National Wildlife Refuges

Examining the New Draft Regulations: Expanding Hunting and Fishing on National Wildlife Refuges

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service has submitted a draft rule to open up new refuge acres for hunting and fishing, new methods of take, or new species. We have received many, many questions about this draft rule, so I want to take a few minutes to explain the history of how we got to this point.

Twin Pines Minerals, LLC Reapplies For Permit To Strip Mine Near Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Twin Pines Minerals, LLC Reapplies For Permit To Strip Mine Near Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Twin Pines Minerals of Birmingham, Alabama originally applied to the State of Georgia and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in July of 2019 for permits to begin strip mining on thousands of acres adjacent to Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Opposition to the proposal was so fierce that the permit application was withdrawn.

A Trip To Ash Meadows— An Oasis In The Mojave

A Trip To Ash Meadows— An Oasis In The Mojave

National Wildlife Refuges are peaceful places. In stressful and unforgiving times, refuges offer rejuvenation and decompression. Respite can be found in nature. I visited Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge last weekend, and it proved to be mentally and physically restorative. Ash Meadows is a unique oasis in the Mojave, offering panoramic views of desert and snow-capped mountains.