Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge

From Mary Stefanski I am so pleased to announce that Lori Packer has been selected as the Refuge Volunteer of the Year! Those who know Lori understand how much she loves nature and enjoys being outdoors. You may have seen her shoveling snow last winter at the local boat landings or staining wood at the…

We finally received the trees that we were hoping to plant last week. Tuesday morning (October 26th) is the best weather to get trees in the ground. We will meet at the Weaver Landing at 8:30am. Please let Mary Stefanski know if you are able to participate. Email: [email protected]

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY: Compatibility Determination, Transportation of Dredged Material, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.  A draft compatibility determination which evaluates the transportation of dredged material across lands and waters of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge) is available for public comment.  The compatibility determination does not evaluate the act…

In consideration of the on-going COVID 19 pandemic, in 2021, the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge) is offering both a remote and in-person opportunity for Refuge trappers to receive the required Special Use Permit (SUP) and trap tags. SUP applications and instructions are available on-line at www.fws.gov/refuge/Upper_Mississippi_River/trapping.html. Trappers who choose the…

Refuge Friends and Volunteers, the crisp morning today reminded me that fall is right around the corner which means hunting season will soon begin. Several of our volunteers have helped us with waterfowl hunter bag checks and car counts in the past and we wanted to get on your calendars early. As of today, we…

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Winona District will be closing the Weaver Landing on Hwy 61 at Weaver, MN and Indian Slough Landing on Hwy 25 between Wabasha, MN and Nelson, WI on an intermittent basis for approximately one month beginning July 15, 2021. The landings will be closed while Solutions 101, LLC…

The 4th of July is just around the corner. If you are heading to the Mississippi River for a boating or camping trip, there are few things to know before you go! While most of our Refuge land and water is open for public enjoyment, offices and visitor centers will remain closed until further notice.…

Approval of the Refuge’s Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) in 2006 resulted in the refuge’s current closed area system consisting of twenty closed areas on the river and three sanctuaries. All refuge closed areas and sanctuaries are characterized by a closure to all migratory bird hunting. In addition to being closed to all migratory bird hunting,…

Friends and Volunteers, we would like to invite you to participate in a cleanup of the Prairie Island Dike in Winona from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 10. The dike will be divided into 1/2 mile sections with two people assigned to each section. Dress for the weather, wear gloves, bring a…

Here is an informational flyer about new bait disposal canisters that have been deployed by Wabasha County. There are currently three “test” canisters, one is located at the Refuge’s Halfmoon Landing near Kellogg, MN. Click on the image to open the pdf.