With Others

The first three words of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service mission statement are “Working with others…” The scope of our conservation mission is so great, we recognize we can’t get it done alone. At Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, we have experienced challenges with staffing and budgets but continue to look for ways to focus on the most important priorities and working with conservation partners on common goals. Friends of Tamarac Refuge members understand this strategy because we have used it for many years to grow an incredibly successful environmental education program. We have also partnered with the American Bird Conservancy for over a decade to sustain hundreds of acres of young forest habitat used by golden-winged warblers, American woodcock, and other migratory birds. These are shining examples of how partnerships allow us to achieve more than we could on our own.

Another partner Tamarac Refuge has worked with for decades is the White Earth Nation. In the past, much of this work revolved around management and permitting of traditional Tribal activities such as wild rice harvest, fur trapping, and ceremonial uses. Over the last 18 months, both organizations have worked diligently to finalize a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and a Co-stewardship Agreement. The MOA focuses on coordination to streamline permitting, improve communication, and ensure access for traditional activities. The Co-stewardship Agreement builds upon the MOA, continues to formalize our partnership, and identifies four areas where Tamarac NWR and the White Earth Nation will commit to working more closely. These include natural resource planning, natural resource management, incorporating indigenous knowledge into interpretive materials, and increasing volunteer opportunities for Tribal members. It’s been nearly a year since the MOA was signed, and we have made significant progress meeting the intent of this agreement. The co-stewardship agreement was signed last October and is also moving in a positive direction. A good example of this is the Wildlife Drive. Over the next year, look for progress as we construct new interpretive displays that include White Earth Nation cultural components.

As spring quickly turns to summer, I hope you get an opportunity to continue enjoying the Refuge as you always have. I look forward to seeing and talking with many of you when you come out to enjoy this truly special place.

(Image Credit: Dan Gunderson | MPR News)