Refuges are a flight path to recovery

Endangered Species Bulletin, Jan-Feb, 2003 by Lauri S. Munroe

The cranes have many friends in the Refuge System. The Friends of Chassahowitzka, a nonprofit organization, sponsored both public and private events celebrating the arrival of the cranes in Florida in 2001. In 2000, the Friends of Necedah received a $25,000 grant to remodel pens, create an additional training site, build an underground observation blind, develop educational materials, and purchase radio and satellite transmitters. Friends of Necedah President Tracey Allen believes, "This work is important for Necedah and the whole Refuge System."

During the Refuges System's centennial, its contribution to the recovery of endangered species like the whooping crane is another cause for celebration. As Jim Kraus, refuge manager at Chassahowitzka NWR, puts it, "The crane project has validated the Refuge System as a tool in saving endangered species. It's important to have a network of lands where major, long-term recovery efforts can take place."

At Necedah Refuge, Larry Wargowsky agrees that habitat is crucial and points out that people are also important. "This has been a commitment for our whole staff for the past three years."

Lauri S. Munroe is a Wildlife Biologist in the Service's Twin Cities Regional Office (612/713-54 79; email lauri_munroe@fws.gov).