Availability of Trapping Permits for the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge
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…
The good and the bad in backwater Shangri-La
Below is an article written by John Weiss. The good and the bad in backwater Shangri-La WEAVER — As I waited Monday morning to see how Weaver Bottoms fared this year, a time of near-record low flows, I thought of all the changes I’ve seen in it and wondered: which Weaver would I see today…
New Photo Contest and Other Opportunities
The Friends of the Refuge Headwaters are again sponsoring a photo contest. Photos should be taken during the summer or fall time periods on either the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge or Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge. Entry deadline is December 3, 2021, full details can be found in the attached brochure. Visit the…
Project COMPASS Fishing Event – Canceled
At the Friends monthly meeting last week, it was determined that the Project COMPASS fishing event scheduled for Sept 1 would be difficult to accomplish while maintaining social distancing guidelines. Thank you to everyone who volunteered to assist, hopefully, we will be able to hold our ice fishing event this year, more to come on…
Friends of the Refuge Headwaters August Meeting
The next Friends of the Refuge Headwaters (FORH) meeting will be held at the Hiawatha Valley Marine Shelter located at 527 West Lake Street in Winona beginning at 4:15 p.m. on Thursday, August 26. We have lots to talk about including the upcoming Project COMPASS fishing event and new photo contest. The meeting shouldn’t last…
Volunteers Needed
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…
Friends of the Refuge Headwaters July Meeting
The next regular Friends of the Refuge Headwaters meeting is Thursday, July 22 beginning at 4:15 p.m. at the Refuge office, 102 Walnut Street, Suite 205, Winona. Click here to open a pdf of the agenda.
Ramp Improvements Close Local Landings
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…
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, 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….
Final Closed Area Evaluations on Upper Miss Refuge
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,…
Questions? Email forhwinona@gmail.com
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