Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge generated $880,500 in total economic activity related to refuge recreational use and 6 jobs for the nearby community Detroit Lakes, according to Banking on Nature 2004:  The Economic Benefits to Local Communities of National Wildlife Refuge Visitation.  The same report, issued during National Wildlife Refuge Week October 8-15, found that national wildlife refuges are major economic engines for communities, putting almost $1.4 billion into the economy. 

In 2004, over 35,000 visitors to Tamarac NWR enjoyed a variety of recreational activities, including non-consumptive activities, hunting, and freshwater fishing.  Visitor recreation expenditures totaled $243,400 with non-residents accounting for 40 percent.  These expenditures generated $329,800 in final demand and $55,000 in tax revenue for Becker County.

Nationally, the National Wildlife Refuge System created nearly 24,000 private sector jobs as the $1.4 billion flowed through the economy, generating about $454 million in employment income.  Additionally, recreational spending on national wildlife refuges generated nearly $151 million in tax revenue at the local, county, state and federal level. 

The national report details findings from 93 national wildlife refuges, including Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge.  The National Wildlife Refuge System encompasses nearly 100 million acres and 545 national wildlife refuges.  The Banking on Nature 2004 study included money spent for food and refreshments, lodging at motels, cabins, lodges or campgrounds, and transportation when it calculated the total economic activity related to refuge recreational use.

“Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge is proud of our role in strengthening the health and well-being of the community.  We not only provide an economic benefit for our citizens today, but national wildlife refuges also ensure benefits to future generations as we conserve the natural resources that are the foundation of our life and our heritage,” said Refuge Manager, Barbara Boyle.  “We invite everyone to visit Tamarac Refuge to learn about our wildlife and outdoor recreation programs.”

Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938 to serve as a breeding ground and sanctuary for migratory birds and other wildlife.  Tamarac Refuge’s nearly 43,000 acres lies in the heart of one of the most diverse vegetative transition zones in North America, where tallgrass prairie, northern hardwood and boreal forests converge.   These transitional habitats provide a haven for a diversity of wildlife species and some, such as the timber wolf, are at their extreme edge of their range in Minnesota.  While the needs of wildlife are our first priority, Tamarac Refuge also provides many opportunities for visitors to enjoy and learn about our natural world through wildlife-compatible activities.  An attractive visitor center offers a spectacular vista of the marshes and trees that are typical of Tamarac Refuge.  A theatre presentation and interpretive displays provides orientation to the life and legends of this unique area.  The visitor center is open year-round Monday through Friday and on weekends during the summer months. 

Tamarac Refuge has an extremely successful volunteer program.  Individuals assist the refuge with biological field studies, environmental education, facility maintenance and visitor center operation.  In addition, a 200 member not-for-profit organization known as the Tamarac Interpretive Association (TIA), facilitates activities and programs that interpret, protect and restore the natural and cultural resources of Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge.  If you would like to be a part of our volunteer program or join the Tamarac Interpretive Association, contact the refuge at 218-847-2641 or tamarac@fws.gov or visit the TIA website at www.tamaracfriends.org.

"The Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge is a wonderful place to spend a day outdoors.  I am proud to volunteer my time to support the refuge and love bringing my grandchildren to see the wildlife,” said Nancy Moulden, a Detroit Lakes, MN resident and president of the Tamarac Interpretive Association.

For more information about Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, please visit the following website: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Tamarac.

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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 95-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System, which encompasses 545 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas. Within Becker County, the Service is represented by the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge, and the Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District.  Becker County enjoys an impressive diversity of both plants and wildlife as a result of its location where the eastern deciduous forest meets the prairie.  Plan a visit to experience Tamarac, Hamden Slough, or one of the many Waterfowl Production Areas and enjoy your public lands.