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Our Voice

Friends stand up for each other when they are needed. This year has been a whirlwind of impacts directed at federal programs and their workforce. Our local U.S. Fish and Wildlife staff at Tamarac have felt the affects of this and we feel a duty, especially now, to stand shoulder to shoulder with the refuge FWS staff in support of OUR beloved refuge and their dedication to it. Read below for the details, challenges, and impacts to our beloved Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge.

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Update 01

Our Refuge at Risk:
The Reality of Staffing Cuts

Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge is a vital resource for our community, providing essential habitat for wildlife, offering unparalleled recreational opportunities, and serving as an outdoor classroom for local schools. However, this treasured space is now at risk due to budget reductions and significant staffing cuts that threaten its very foundation.

What's Happening?

Over the past 15 years, the National Wildlife Refuge System has experienced a 30% reduction in staff. These cuts have real consequences, impacting our refuge's ability to manage the land, serve the community, and protect our natural heritage.​

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The Refuge System is no bloated bureaucracy:
Its workforce has shrunk to only 2353 (now approximately 2230)-that’s down 30%
from where they were 15 years ago.


They have been doing MORE with LESS for years.

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​​​​​​​What does this mean for Tamarac?

  • Reduced capacity: Tamarac’s staff is half of what it was just a few years ago. Further reductions in staff will threaten current AND future levels of operations and services.

  • Specific program cuts: There are fewer resources to support recreational opportunities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing. Family and interpretive events, volunteer programs, and visitor center hours are and will continue to be impacted. A shuttered visitor center will directly affect our ability to open our Gift Shop at the Tamarac Visitor's Center.

  • Habitat Management: Our refuge is responsible for managing 43,000 acres of habitat with a fraction of the staff required.

  • Loss of expertise: Staff cuts will result in the loss of individuals with specialized knowledge and skills, which will exact an increased cost in both TIME and MONEY to recoup.

 

Impacts

The loss of staff will mean fewer people are available to conduct bird surveys, monitor water quality, and control invasive species. These activities are critical for maintaining the health of our ecosystem and protecting endangered species.

 

With fewer staff, the refuge may be unable to offer the same level of educational programming to local schools. This deprives our children of valuable opportunities to learn about nature and connect with the outdoors.

 

These cuts are impacting the ability to maintain facilities and infrastructure, leading to deferred maintenance and safety concerns that will result in less frequent, but COSTLIER projects.

 

Here at Tamarac, we're looking at the well-earned retirement of the USFWS volunteer coordinator. Last year alone, they managed 132 volunteers contributing over 7,000 hours--that's the equivalent of hiring close to 4 new employees! When talking about efficient use of tax dollars, their work has been an investment that pays out in multiples! The potential delay or cancellation of rehiring this position would leave a substantial gap in volunteer management, meaning projects go unfinished, often resulting in increased costs once the remaining staff can get to it.

 

The reality is that these cuts are undermining the refuge's ability to fulfill its mission and its ability to continue to serve as a vital resource for our community.

 

What can you do?

We cannot stand by and watch as our refuge is dismantled. In the coming weeks, we will share concrete steps that you can take to advocate for our refuge. Together, we can make a difference.

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  • Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we will discuss the importance of our refuge to the lakes area communities.

  • Contact your elected officials AT ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT and let them know that you support our refuge.

  • Share your stories and photos of the refuge on social media, using the hashtag #RefugeStrong.

  • Join Friends of Tamarac - together, we can ensure that our refuge remains a vibrant and valuable resource for generations to come.

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Resources

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Coalition of Refuge Friends - the national Friends organization: [statement]   [advocacy form]

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Our representatives CANNOT represent your values if they don't hear from you. It's EASY to reach out!

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Update 02

A Northwoods Gem:
How our At-Risk Tamarac Refuge Enriches Our Community

Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge isn't just a line item on a federal budget. It’s a vast expanse of pristine wilderness; and a vital part of our community's identity. Nestled in the heart of Minnesota's glacial lake country, it's where we experience the beauty of the Northwoods, learn about diverse ecosystems, and find rejuvenation in nature's tranquility. More than just a scenic landscape, Tamarac is a crucial resource for recreation, education, and preserving our natural heritage.

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A Haven of Biodiversity: Tamarac's Role in Our Lives

To the many visitors from Park Rapids to Detroit Lakes and White Earth down to Fergus Falls,  Tamarac is synonymous with outdoor adventure. From hiking its scenic trails, observing majestic trumpeter swans to fishing in its clear lakes and exploring the diverse habitats, the refuge offers a wealth of recreational opportunities. Its trails are a haven for hikers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts, while its waterways invite anglers and paddlers to explore their depths.

Beyond recreation, Tamarac serves as an invaluable outdoor classroom. This winter we had 800+ schoolchildren in our partner school program visit to learn about winter tracking, the importance of oxygen levels in our lakes over the winter, how our animal friends adapt to survive the winter, and take a lap on snowshoes through the diverse environments in Tamarac! The refuge's educational programs and visitor center connect our community and provide insights into the region's rich natural history and the importance of conservation.

Tamarac's conservation efforts are essential for protecting the region's diverse wildlife and habitats. It provides a sanctuary for a wide array of species, including bald eagles, wolves, and numerous migratory birds. Maintaining and improving water quality has always been of high value in Tamarac’s biological programs.  After all, the Refuge is the headwaters of the Ottertail and Buffalo Rivers that provide important water resources for numerous downstream communities. Protecting this ecosystem ensures the health of our environment and the preservation of our natural legacy.

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Voices of Tamarac: Community Stories

Here are some perspectives from those who cherish Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge:

  • A birding enthusiast: “With its diverse habitat, Tamarac offers wonderful birding opportunities and attracts birders from near and far.”

  • A family who frequently hikes the trails: "40,000 acres of wildlife refuge with a stunning diversity of animal and plant life including Common Loons, Trumpeter Swans, Golden-winged Warblers, Ruffed Grouse, Fisher, Gray Wolf, Black Bear, several species of lady slippers, and a wide variety of coniferous and deciduous trees. Great educational programs and a nice visitor center and gift shop. The North Country Trail runs through the refuge and is worth hiking."

  • A photography enthusiast: "Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge gets you into the forests and next to lakes over gravel roads and accessible walking paths. If you like nature, there is a lot of nature to experience here. If you are a nature photographer, make sure you have an extra camera battery."

  • An area teacher after a field trip with school children: "Such a wonderful day for outdoor learning! We snowshoed, learned about winter habitats, hiked, tested lake water for oxygen & ice levels, and learned so many more things from the amazing volunteers and the educational programs provided by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. We look forward to visiting in the spring and feel fortunate to be a part of their environmental classes!"

 

These stories illustrate the deep connection between the community and Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge.

 

Supporting Tamarac's Future

Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge is a treasure that deserves our ongoing support. Whether through volunteering, participating in educational programs, or simply respecting the refuge's rules, we can all contribute to its preservation.

We encourage you to explore Tamarac, discover its natural wonders, and experience the unique beauty of this Northwoods gem.

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Things to do at Tamarac:

  • Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center: Offers exhibits, information, and viewing areas.

  • Diverse Habitats: The refuge features a unique convergence of forest and prairie ecosystem or the curious explorer.s.

  • Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to observe trumpeter swans, bald eagles, and other wildlife. Traverse the Wildlife Drive.

  • Recreational Activities: Hiking the many trails, hunting, fishing, birdwatching, and more.

  • Interpretive Programs:  “Wild Wednesdays” for young children and their families, various adult outdoor education opportunities, and much more.

 

What can you do to help?

Raise your voice in support!

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Our representatives CANNOT represent your values if they don't hear from you. It's EASY to reach out!

 

Resources

Coalition of Refuge Friends - the national Friends organization: [statement]   [advocacy form]

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Gift Shop access

More to follow...

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Valued Expertise

More to follow...

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Community Investment

More to follow...

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© 2024 by Friends of Tamarac. All rights reserved.

The Friends of Tamarac is a 501©(3) non-profit organization that supports the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge. Registered Number 41-1732084

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