Our Environmental Ethic
Approved April 2009

As a member of the Friends group, I will promote the conservation mission of the refuges and the national wildlife refuge system by:

• Proudly communicating to the public the importance of this mission and the value of our refuges and the national refuge system
• Modeling appropriate behavior that minimizes human impact while in the refuges
• Without confrontations, monitoring public use of the refuges to help insure proper visitation and enjoyment
• Respecting the diversity of legitimate usages of the refuges that include hunting, fishing, birding, hiking, biking, and kayaking/canoeing, to identify a few
• Leaving archeological sites undisturbed
• Refraining from collecting flowers, plants, fossils, or artifacts
• Enjoying the wildlife in their natural setting without feeding or molesting
• Leaving no trash behind
• Providing input and feedback to the refuge staff
• Being careful to represent or promote only activities that are endorsed by the friends board and refuge management
• Understanding and obeying the laws/rules governing the use of the refuges