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 The
Southeastern Wildlife Conservation Group is pleased to be
working with the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Mississippi
Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge in Gautier , MS . The
Mississippi Sandhill Crane NWR was
established in 1975 to safeguard the critically endangered
Mississippi Sandhill Crane and its unique disappearing
habitat. The
refuge was established for the protection and recovery of the
species and the restoration of its unique habitat, wet pine
savanna (pitcher plant bogs). It is estimated that 95-97% of
this habitat has been altered, and the refuge serves as a key
remnant ecosystem representative. The pine savanna has a rich
herbaceous flora and includes some of the highest plant
diversities, particularly carnivorous plants, in North America
. The non-migratory Mississippi Sandhill crane population has
increased from 30-35 cranes in the mid-70s to the current
110-130 birds.
In
order for the US Fish and Wildlife Service to continue its
successful recovery of the Mississippi Sandhill Crane and the
management and conservation of this rare habitat, the USFWS is
in need of financial support. With dwindling Government
funding and increasing overhead costs, the US Fish and
Wildlife Service is in greater need of support than ever. One
way in which the Refuge can generate some of these much needed
funds is to create a source of revenue self sufficient upon
itself. This would be the development of a Refuge Bookstore at
the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge.
Currently,
the Refuge is completing construction of its new Visitor
Center but lacks the necessary funds to establish this much
needed educational book / gift store. As discussed earlier,
this store is much needed for the revenues that it will
generate, but will also provide valuable educational
information concerning the USFWS and the Refuge in particular
detailing their missions and their importance.
The
estimated cost to purchase furnishings, equipment and to fully
stock the store with representative books, t-shirts, souvenirs
and other items to educate and improve the visitor’s
experience of the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife
Refuge is approximately $10,000.00. The SWCG is looking for
donations to help get this much needed bookstore up and
running so the Refuge can start self generating additional
funds to help fill the financial gaps in their operational
budgets. Your financial contribution is much needed and
greatly appreciated.
To
mail your donation CLICK HERE
TO DONATE
For
Credit Card User's CLICK
HERE TO DONATE
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