U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service Midwest Regional Director Tom Melius announced the
establishment of Kankakee National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area in
Iroquois County, Illinois, today.
“The Kankakee River
Basin represents a unique Midwestern landscape,” said Regional Director Tom
Melius. “I’m very pleased to continue working with the local community and
partners to conserve these priority wetlands, remnant oak savanna, and
grasslands, as well as enhance outdoor recreational opportunities.”
The refuge and
conservation area was officially established with the acceptance of a 66
acre donation from Friends of the Kankakee, an organization dedicated to the
establishment of a national wildlife refuge in the Kankakee River basin.
This parcel will be open in the near future for public hunting of deer and
turkey following state regulations, as well as wildlife observation and
photography. Establishing the refuge and conservation area formally
recognizes decades of work with conservation partners. Through the
conservation area approach, additional land and easements will be acquired
from willing sellers as funds allow, as part of the conservation effort.
The acquisition of
this 66 acre tract in Iroquois County was funded, in part, by the Illinois
Clean Energy Community Foundation, whose mission is to improve energy
efficiency, advance the development and use of renewable energy resources,
and protect natural areas and wildlife habitat in communities across
Illinois.
“The Foundation is
honored to have helped with the initial acquisition of this land,” said
Executive Director of the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation Dennis
O’Brien.
“The volunteers of
Friends of the Kankakee have proved to be diligent caretakers of the
habitat. The Foundation has helped to expand other federally owned natural
areas in Illinois and is pleased to have a played a small role in the
creation of the newest national wildlife refuge,” said O’Brien. “As part of
our commitment to working closely with the community in this area, we have
joined together with nine other organizations, as well as local residents,
to begin creating a sustainability plan in the Hopkins Park/Pembroke
Township area in Kankakee County. This plan allows local residents and
organizations to collaborate and shape the future of conservation. “
“Originally
conceived as a bi-state refuge, the refuge and conservation area is only
being established in Illinois,” said Melius. “We will continue to support
voluntary conservation efforts by local partners in Indiana through
technical assistance and cost sharing of habitat restoration through our
Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program.
The Kankakee River
Basin has the biological foundation necessary for a highly significant
contribution to the conservation of fish and wildlife resources of
continental importance. National wildlife refuges do more than sustain and
enhance natural resources, they can add to the economic vitality and quality
of life for communities.
Learn more about
this newest refuge by visiting,
.
The mission of the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is to work with others to conserve, protect
and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing
benefit of the American people. The both a leader and trusted partner in
fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence,
stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and
commitment to public service.
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information visit