Sen. Dorgan Gets Refuge Award

August 3, 2005 - Senator Byron Dorgan today received an award from the Cooperative Alliance for Refuge Enhancement (CARE) during a trip to the Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in North Dakota. The CARE "Refuge Champion" Award recognizes the outstanding commitment of members of Congress in support of the National Wildlife Refuge System (System). Senator Dorgan is recognized for his commitment to refuges in North Dakota, as well as the entire system of 545 national wildlife refuges.

As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Dorgan has demonstrated strong support for refuges, including increased federal spending for operations and maintenance of the Refuge System. Jim Ringelman, Director of Conservation Programs in Ducks Unlimited's Great Plains Regional Office, presented the award on behalf of CARE.

"It's a challenge to retain wetlands and native prairie, particularly during tough economic times" says Ringelman. "The National Wildlife Refuge System secures the very best wildlife habitat throughout the country, not just for wildlife, but for people to use and enjoy. Senator Dorgan's support of refuges leaves a remarkable legacy for future generations."

CARE was formed in 1996 when a diversity of conservation, sporting and scientific organizations united around a single common cause - funding needs of the National Wildlife Refuge System. CARE is a unique coalition of 21 organizations. The coalition represents a constituency of more than five million Americans.

"Senator Dorgan's longstanding commitment to the Refuge System has helped to ensure that the Refuge System is in the best shape it's ever been," said Evan Hirsche, Chair of the Cooperative Alliance for Refuge Enhancement and President of the National Wildlife Refuge Association. "We're grateful for his work to ensure that our wildlife heritage will be enjoyed by future generations of Americans."

In the last decade, with the help of leaders in Congress like Senator Dorgan, operations and maintenance funding for the System has been increased by more than $220 million annually. While an outstanding accomplishment, an extensive backlog of projects still remains. Increased funding in FY 2007 and beyond is needed to ensure adequate resources for wildlife habitat management, visitor services, law enforcement, and maintenance of the System.

CARE Organizations:

American Birding Association
American Fisheries Society
American Sportfishing Association
Assateague Coastal Trust
Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation
Defenders of Wildlife
Ducks Unlimited
International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
Izaak Walton League of America
National Association of Service and Conservation Corps
National Audubon Society
National Rifle Association of America
National Wildlife Federation
National Wildlife Refuge Association
Safari Club International
The Wilderness Society
The Wildlife Society
Trout Unlimited
U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance
Wildlife Forever
Wildlife Management Institute

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