Welcome from the Friends of the Refuge Headwaters
News and Events
Ice Fishing for Kids
The annual Kid’s Ice Fishing Event co-sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Friends of the Refuge Headwaters is scheduled for Saturday, January 25, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the McNally Boat Landing on Prairie Island Drive, Winona, MN. Children ages 6 through 13 and their families are invited to join…
Read MoreWinter on our Refuge Photo Contest – Call for Entries
The Friends of the Refuge Headwaters are encouraging all amateur photographers to get outside this winter and capture the beauty of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge) for a winter photo contest. Photos in the following categories will be accepted until March 13, 2020: Scenic Views of the Refuge, Wildlife and…
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…
Read MoreWaterfowl Observation Day at Brownsville Overlook on November 9
Come join us! The annual Waterfowl Observation Day, hosted by the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Midwest Fisheries Center, Friends of the Upper Mississippi (FUM) and Friends of the Refuge – Mississippi River Pools 7 & 8 (FOR78) will be held Saturday, November 9th at the Brownsville Overlook between 10:00 a.m. and…
Read MoreNotice of Availability for Public Comment
NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY: A draft Compatibility Determination, Realignment of a utility right-of-way (ITC Midwest LLC and Dairyland Power Cooperative, Cardinal to Hickory Creek transmission line, Clayton County, Iowa) is available for public comment from October 25 through November 26, 2019. The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is proposing to allow existing transmission…
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