The Vice President spoke about the Everglades ecosystem and discussed the creation of the Everglades Headwaters NWR and Conservation Area, which has been an NWRA priority for several years.

The private donation will be used to match dollar-for-dollar funds raised during the next 60 days to help secure land for the newly established Everglades Headwaters NWR and Conservation Area. Image credit: NPS. Join the Everglades Challenge

The National Wildlife Refuge Association praised President Obama’s budget request for the National Wildlife Refuge System and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) for next year.

Minnesota artist Joe Hautman, who has won the contest four previous times, was judged the winner of this year’s Federal Duck Stamp Contest. Ninety-eight percent of the receipts from stamp sales are used to add critical breeding, migration and wintering habitat to the National Wildlife Refuge System.