National Wildlife Refuge Presents Local Counties with Checks
CHIEFLAND – Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge Manager Kathy Whaley presented a check for $92,673 to Levy County Coordinator Fred Moody on Tuesday, June 28th at the Refuge Headquarters near Fowlers Bluff. A check for $86,197 was presented to Finance Officer Cindy Day of Dixie County on July 1. This was an increase from 2003 checks that were $21,982 and $23,543, respectively. These checks represent funds the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regularly presents to counties in which there are refuge properties; they have been presented annually since the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act was enacted in 1978. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the only federally-owned land management agency that makes such a donation in lieu of taxes to the County.
Amounts of the checks vary annually and are based on a computation method which takes into account the fair market value of the acreage owned by the Service within the county, or the total amount of funds the Service collects from activities such as timber management on that land, whichever is greater. During 2004, Lower Suwannee Refuge sold slash pines inherited by the Refuge upon its establishment in1979. Thinning and restoration to native plant communities, including long leaf pine and wiregrass, will create habitat that was originally found on the Refuge prior to planting for timber production by private industry.
Refuge Revenue Sharing funds are generated at the national level from offshore and land oil and gas leases, timber and gravel sales, and grazing rights. "The amount generated frequently does not meet the amount due under the criteria procedure" Whaley explains, "but Congress often authorizes and appropriates additional funds to help fill the gap." This year`s contribution, which represents fiscal year 2004, enables the Service to contribute approximately 41 percent of the total entitlement.
Lower Suwannee NWR was established in 1979 to protect one of the largest undeveloped river-delta estuarine systems in the United States. The constant influx of nutrients from the river combined with numerous off-shore islands and tidal creeks creates excellent wildlife habitat. Swallow-tailed kites, bald eagles, West Indian manatees, Gulf sturgeon, whitetailed deer, and eastern wild turkeys are but a few of the wildlife species that inhabit the Refuge. Natural salt marshes, tidal flats, bottomland hardwood swamps, and pine forests provide habitat for thousands of creatures – both large and small. The Refuge offers recreational and educational opportunities for everyone. Bird and wildlife observation, wildlife photography, fishing, canoeing, hunting, and interpretive walks are all available. "We are always pleased when we can make contributions to Levy and Dixie Counties, " Whaley said, "the refuges are beautiful and serene places within the Counties that provide large areas for conservation, protection, and enhancement of the native plant and animal communities. We can maintain protection for wildlife and at the same time, provide a special place for local residents and visitors to spend time. We invite everyone who has seen the refuges to come visit often. To those who have not yet taken the opportunity to visit either Lower Suwannee or Cedar Keys Refuge, we extend a warm invitation to come for a visit." Whaley concluded. For the past one hundred years, America`s National Wildlife Refuge System has protected hundreds of wild species, including our national symbol, the bald eagle. As the National Wildlife Refuge System enters its second century, it comprises nearly 100 million acres, protecting more than 540 refuges and thousands of small prairie wetlands. National Wildlife Refuges provide unparalleled outdoor activities, including fishing, hunting, environmental education, wildlife observation, and photography, making them special places for all Americans to connect with nature. Many refuges also offer opportunities for nature hikes, bird tours, wildlife drives and other activities. There are wildlife refuges in every state, and at least one within an hour`s drive of most major cities. For more information about National Wildlife Refuges visit www.fws.gov or contact Lower Suwannee NWR at (352) 493-0238. |
