Fun Freetime: Fish and Wildlife Service Sites

Wildlife refuges pumped $2.4 billion into the economy and supported more than 35,000 private-sector jobs in Fiscal Year 2011, according to a recent study. Refuges contributed an average $4.87 in total economic output for every $1 appropriated and produced nearly $793 million in job income for local communities. The refuges and wetland management districts are part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, managed by the Service.

“Our National Wildlife Refuge System is the world’s greatest network of lands dedicated to wildlife conservation but is also an important contributor to our economy, attracting more than 46 million visitors from around the world who support local restaurants, hotels, and other businesses,” said Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell. “Every dollar we invest in our Refuge System and other public lands generates huge dividends for our country.”

Some of the awesome places to visit in Minnesota include Morris Wetland Management District, Upper MIssissippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (also in Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin), and Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge. You can participate in a variety of fun family activities, including hiking, photography, wildlife viewing, and hunting. Different sites have different programming available, and there are sites available around the nation. Find a Refuge near you to learn more about this beautiful earth we live on and support your local economy!

The National Wildlife Refuge System protects wildlife and wildlife habitat on more than 150 million acres of land and water from the Caribbean to the Pacific, Maine to Alaska. Refuges also improve human health, provide outdoor recreation and support local economies. The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.