“Western
and Central Wisconsin is home to three of the most beautiful national
wildlife refuges in the country. Those of us who are lucky enough to
live near one know national wildlife refuges not only offer spectacular
natural beauty and a critical habitat for wildlife, they are also
economic engines that create jobs in local communities. Making these
needed investments in our natural resources will provide a valuable
return in western and central Wisconsin,” said Rep. Kind.
The
Upper Mississippi River National Fish and Wildlife Refuge is visited by
over four million people each year, more than Yellowstone National Park.
According to US Fish and Wildlife Service, the refuge in 2011 generated
$161.4 million in economic benefit and returned $45.64 for every $1
appropriated.
Rep.
Kind has long worked to support National Wildlife Refuges. As Chair of
the Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus, he has worked to fix the
critical underfunding that has caused debilitating maintenance backlogs
and loss of visitor access and services.