National Wildlife Refuge week celebrates conservation and recreation
Oct. 8—National Wildlife Refuge Week
begins Sunday, Oct. 8, and continues through Saturday, Oct. 14, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said. National Wildlife Refuge Week occurs annually during the second full week of October.
The annual event offers an opportunity for people to experience the country's premier wildlife conservation network, the
National Wildlife Refuge System
. Founded in 1903, the system provides nature nearby to millions of Americans while conserving vital habitat for wildlife.
"National wildlife refuges are places that are so important to community health and the economy because they provide places where both wildlife and people can recharge and find respite. They are American treasures," Martha Williams, director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said in a statement. "National Wildlife Refuge Week is a great time for Americans to join us in celebrating and protecting the wonders of nature that can be found at a nearby national wildlife refuge."
For the third year in a row, the Service will partner with the Public Lands Alliance to host over 40 free walking events at wildlife refuges across the country in celebration of Refuge Week. Register for a free event near you or walk virtually for all of
America's Wildlife Refuges
.
"Every year, Refuge Week 'Walk for the Wild' events attract more families and friends to discover and appreciate the wonder of nature at their doorsteps and grow awareness and support for national wildlife refuges," said Dan Puskar, president and CEO of the Public Lands Alliance. "Through our unique partnership with wildlife refuges and more than 45 refuge Friends groups, 'Walk for the Wild' helps thousands experience nature and enrich their lives."
Learn more about this year's celebration, including virtual and in-person events by visiting:
. — staff report
* The North Dakota Game and Fish Department encourages hunters, anglers and landowners who witness a fish or wildlife violation to file a report with Report All Poachers by calling RAP at (701) 328-9921.The RAP line offers rewards — from $100 to $1,000 depending on the nature and seriousness of the crime — for information leading to the conviction of fish and wildlife law violators. Reports can also go directly to game wardens or other law enforcement agencies. Callers can remain anonymous.
* The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is taking orders for its North Dakota OUTDOORS calendar, the source for all hunting season and application dates for 2024. Calendars must be ordered online at
.
* Hunting small game, waterfowl, furbearers or big game by nonresidents is prohibited by North Dakota state law on Private Land Open To Sportsmen (PLOTS) acreage and state wildlife management areas from Saturday, Oct. 7, through Friday, Oct. 13, the first seven days of the pheasant season, the Game and Fish Department said in a reminder. However, nonresidents can hunt on PLOTS land they own during that week.
* The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has initiated "Earth Day, Every Day" to promote continual awareness about the environment. Groups that engage in environmental clean-up projects, landscaping or other efforts that promote environmental awareness, will receive an Earth Day patch for all participants. Info: Sherry Niesar, Earth Day coordinator, (701) 527-3714 or by email at
. — staff reports
