U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Regional Director Tom Melius today (Wednesday) announced the establishment of Kankakee National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area in Iroquois County.

"The Kankakee River Basin represents a unique Midwestern landscape," notes Regional Director Tom Melius. "I'm very pleased to continue working with the local community and partners to conserve these priority wetlands, remnant oak savanna, and grasslands, as well as enhance outdoor recreational opportunities."

The refuge and conservation area was officially established with the acceptance of a 66-acre donation from Friends of the Kankakee, an organization dedicated to the establishment of a national wildlife refuge in the Kankakee River basin. This parcel will be open in the near future for public hunting of deer and turkey following state regulations, as well as wildlife observation and photography.

Establishing the refuge and conservation area formally recognizes decades of work with conservation partners. Through the conservation area approach, we will acquire land or easements from willing sellers as funds allow, as part of the broader, community and partner-based conservation effort.

The acquisition of this 66-acre tract in Iroquois County was funded, in part, by the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, whose mission is to improve energy efficiency, advance the development and use of renewable energy resources, and protect natural areas and wildlife habitat in communities across Illinois.

Learn more about our newest refuge by visiting,http://www.fws.gov/refuge/kankakee/.

94.1 WGFA