Draft Compatibility Determination and Environmental Assessment for Hound Field Trials on the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has evaluated a proposed public use on the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge). The proposed use is to allow sanctioned raccoon dog trial associations to conduct “Hound Field Trails” under Special Use Permits. Federal law requires that the Service first allow the public to review this action prior to conducting this activity on the Refuge. A draft compatibility determination and environmental assessment covering the anticipated scope of the activity is currently available for public review and comment.

Several current directors were elected last year for a two-year term and therefore they continue in position until the Annual Meeting in 2022.
Matt Chatowsky
Denise Feiber
Boyd Kimball
Ginessa Mahar
Travis Thomas
Barbara Woodmansee

One long-time director is stepping down this year. We are grateful to
Margy VanLandingham
for all her work for Friends over the years.

Now you can purchase our t-shirts and hats from home using an online store, friendsofrefuges.org/store. We are opening with our most popular shirts and hats but we will expand into earrings, mugs and more in the future so come back often or make a request at friends@friendsofrefuges.org

Due to the pandemic, board members are shipping out of our homes so on-site pickup is not available.

Eleven volunteers made this project a reality. Thanks Everyone!

As with most events in 2020, and so far in 2021, the much-anticipated Friends Annual Membership Meeting will not be an in-person gathering at the Refuge Headquarters, and the delectable McCain’s BBQ will not be served.
 
However, fear not, on February 27th there will be an annual meeting and creative minds are working hard to come up with an informative and enjoyable E-vent. Imagine if you will an easy-to-access Zoom meeting with an agenda not unlike last year’s. It will feature current president, John McPherson, and president-elect Peg Hall to provide updates on the many things still being accomplished by the Friends organization during life in a pandemic. Refuge Manager Andrew Gude will give an update as well. There will be the usual business issues such as financial reports, election of 2021 board of directors, updates on programs including the Vista Project (remember the tour from last year), along with interesting presentations by experts on a variety of topics. And not to disappoint, a report on the travels of Suwannee the Swallow-tail Kite will be given. Lots of newsy stuff will also be passed along about activities such as the launching of the online store and the updated website. This format will allow for Zoom Rooms where smaller groups can join-in for more in-depth discussions.
 
So, stay tuned for emails that will explain how to sign up for the meeting and also keep an eye out for a survey to precede the meeting to help organizers ensure a responsive agenda. If there are topics you would like covered, send suggestions to friends@friendsofrefuges.org