TO: Assignment Editors and Photo Editors
FROM: Anthony Hauck, Public Relations Specialist, Pheasants Forever, (651) 209-4972, AHauck@pheasantsforever.org
SUBJECT: Dedication of New Waterfowl Production Area, Open to Public Hunting, Mower County
WHAT: Dedication ceremony of new Lost Lake Waterfowl Production Area (WPA) in Mower County, Minnesota. The 85-acre tract of farmland was acquired by the Mower County Chapter of Pheasants Forever. The chapter restored the land through native grass planting, and added two shallow ponds. The chapter then donated the property to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Service constructed a parking area and installed signage.
Waterfowl Production Areas are part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Wildlife Refuge System. All WPAs provide habitat for a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, grassland birds, plants, insects and wildlife. They also help reduce erosion, clean and protect ground water and reduce flooding. The new Lost Lake WPA provides waterfowl habitat, but is also critical habitat for pheasants and deer. And like all WPAs, the Lost Lake WPA provides a place to hunt, bird watch, photograph wildlife, see rare native prairie plants and enjoy the outdoors.
WHEN: Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 4PM
WHERE: From intersection of US Highway 218 and County Road 27 in Austin, take County Road 27 to the west, approximately two (2) miles through three (3) S-curves. After last curve, sign for Lost Lake WPAwill be on right side of road.
Photo and interview opportunities are available. Representatives from Pheasants Forever and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be available. Other confirmed attendees include Minnesota State Representative Jeanne Poppe, Minnesota State Senator Dan Sparks and Mower County Commissioner Tim Gabrielson. For more information on the dedication ceremony or the property, please contact Scott Roemhildt, Regional Field Representative with Pheasants Forever, at (507) 327-9785 / SRoemhildt@pheasantsforever.org; or Sue Olson, Mower County Pheasants Forever President, at (507) 438-9365 / smolson@hormel.com.
