On The Refuge...

​

​

All of us would agree, this has been a crazy couple weeks in Wisconsin, the United States and the world. Here at the refuge we
have closed down the visitor contact station and in following with
the state guidelines have asked our employees to telework as much as possible. All that said the refuge continues to be open to the public for their enjoyment, peace, and as a healthy essential activity.


Spring is here despite Covid-19, and the birds are starting to
arrive, frogs are starting to call and this is a great time to get out to the refuge. Migration reminds me that as much as our lives are disrupted we can still observe a rhythm of the ages. As we observe birds arriving to western Wisconsin, we are reminded of the Hope that spring brings to a bird. Hope of a safe flight to the nesting grounds sometimes hundreds or thousands of miles from their wintering grounds. Hope that they will find a mate and be able to secure the resources to support nest building, egg laying and incubating. Hope that they will have the strength to raise and protect their young chicks to fledgling. Spring brings us hope too. As we see the waves of birds arriving, frogs starting to call, ground squirrels and wood chucks emerging, and a landscape turning from brown to green I am reminded of the hope that spring brings. It is our desire that you get the chance to get out to the refuge this spring and experience the hope and serenity
that nature can provide.


We have some exciting projects on the horizon for Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge in the upcoming year to include:
*Timber Stand Improvement Project working with Audubon Forester, Andy Beebe
*Improvements for the Refuge Entrance Road and Marshland Dike planning and if conditions allow, implementation
*Compatibility Determination updates for refuge public uses.
*Invasive Species work with black locust and savanna improvements.
*Refuge Sign improvements and updates.
*Clean-up and posting boundary signs for the newly acquired Ducks Unlimited/Galstad Tract and Gatzlaf Tract.
*Water Management and the Habitat Rehabilitation and Enhancement Projects evaluation. How do we get better results with water management?
*Repairing flood damage to dike infrastructure.


Tim Miller, La Crosse District Manager, UMRNWFR