Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge
No Fireworks Allowed on the “Upper Miss” Refuge
The 4th of July is just around the corner. If you are heading to the Mississippi River for a boating or camping trip, just a reminder – no fireworks are allowed on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge) because of their disturbance to wildlife as well as the litter they leave behind. …
Read MoreNews from the Refuge
We hope everyone is well and enjoying the outdoors as much as possible. We at the Refuge have been assured that field work will start up again in the near future and perhaps will lead to some volunteer opportunities once again. Unfortunately, we have cancelled all of the regular fishing events with Project Compass for…
Read MoreA Message from Mary Stefanski
Friends and Volunteers, I hope this message finds you in good health and spirits. In my last message I said we were moving and we are now officially at 102 Walnut Street. Unfortunately, the open house/party will need to wait as none of us have been allowed to work on-site to unpack boxes or put…
Read MoreMississippi River Flooding Could Hamper Boat Access
The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge), Winona District is urging boaters to take precautions in the coming days regarding flooding on the Mississippi River. Boaters should be vigilant as flood waters will have significantly changed conditions at traditional access, camping, and day-use sites. Excessive current, turbid water, and submerged and floating…
Read MoreWinter on the Refuge Photo Contest – Judging Delayed
Thank you to everyone who submitted photos to the Winter on the Refuge Photo Contest! We are excited to view and judge all the photos, though due to the current COVID-19 situation we are postponing this activity. We hope to be able to judge and pick winners by July 1, 2020. Jennifer Froehly of the…
Read MoreU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Offices Relocate
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge) offices previously located at 51 East 4th Street in Winona, MN have relocated. Beginning Monday, March 30, 2020 they are located at 102 Walnut Street in Winona. The Refuge Headquarters office which oversees the 260 mile refuge from Mississippi River…
Read MoreWhitewater Master Naturalist Course
Friends and Volunteers, please see the flyer (right – click image to open .pdf) announcing the spring Master Naturalist training program offered by the University of Minnesota Extension at Whitewater State Park. If you have questions, please contact Whitewater State Park Lead Interpretive Naturalist Sara Holger at 507-312-2308 or by email at [email protected].
Read MoreLooking for a Job this Summer?
The Winona District of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge) will be hiring four students this summer to work on a Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) crew. The YCC program will begin Monday, June 22 and end Friday, August 14, 2020. Crew members will work a 40-hour week, Monday through Friday, 7:30…
Read MoreCommercial Fishing Guide Permit Process for 2020
In 2019, the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge) implemented its pilot year of the Commercial Fishing Guide Permit Program. The Refuge waived permit fees and offered a grace period to guides operating in 2019 to allow for a transition into this new program. The 2020 season will be fully enforced and…
Read MoreUpper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge Honors Volunteers
The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge (Refuge) Winona offices recently honored volunteers and their guests at a volunteer recognition event. During 2019, over 100 volunteers contributed more than 1,300 hours of service representing over $32,000. Volunteer activities included assisting with the Refuge booth at community functions, biological surveys, youth fishing days, river…
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