SHAHEEN ANNOUNCES $1 MILLION FOR CONSERVATION EFFORTS AT LAKE UMBAGOG
Funding will protect shorelines and wildlife habits, enhance park access to bolster tourism
(Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen announced today that her request for $1 million to expand conservation efforts and wildlife habitat protection at the Umbagog Lake Refuge has been signed into law by President Obama. Shaheen requested this new funding with Senator Judd Gregg so that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can acquire and conserve new lands within the refuge. The funding for the project was included in the Fiscal Year 2010 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.
"The Umbagog Lake Refuge is one of New Hampshire's most beautiful natural habitats, and we must do everything we can to ensure it remains that way for years to come," said Shaheen. "This funding will help protect the wildlife while keeping the park accessible to New Hampshire residents and tourists, which is critical to our state's economy."
"We are very grateful to Senator Shaheen for her outstanding commitment to protecting New Hampshire's most critical habitat and recreational resources for future generations," said Rodger Krussman, New Hampshire State Director with The Trust for Public Land, who is assisting in the protection effort. "The $1 million included in the bill will help the refuge protect priority land for conservation. We praise the Senator's efforts to protect these cherished places and for her support of the Land and Water Conservation Fund."
Umbagog Lake Refuge serves as a unique habitat for many migratory species that depend on wetlands, including the bald eagle. This funding will guarantee shoreline protection, enhance public access for recreation, and preserve upland and wetland habitats that are recognized as some of the most important in the eastern United States. Specifically, the project will boost conservation efforts in the Blake Island, Big Island, the Androscoggin Headwaters and the Mollidgewock Phase II areas.
As Governor, Shaheen signed legislation that expanded the Umbagog Lake Refuge by over 1,300 acres and acquired conservation easements for an additional 2,259 acres.
The funding is part of the Fiscal Year 2010 Interior Appropriations legislation, which includes $7,825,000 for projects in New Hampshire.
