Written by Janelle Wicks, Friends Director
Cover photo of yellow-headed blackbirds, red-winged black birds, and common grackle at Crane’s Nest feeder by Dan Streiffert
There are approximately 567 National Wildlife Refuges and Hatcheries managed by the United States Department of Fish and Wildlife. Of those. approximately 200 sites have associated Friends organizations. Being a Friends group is a special designation for a non-profit partner that engages in a cooperative relationship with a Refuge or Hatchery. This is, in essence, bridge building between the Refuge and the visiting public or other stakeholders. There are plenty of community partnerships that take shape across the country, but being a Friends group really is something special.
For one, officially recognized Friends organizations are required to co-create a Friends Partnership Agreement (FPA) with their Refuge staff. Here at Malheur, the Refuge and Friends of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge first entered into this relationship in 1999 making 2024 a quarter century anniversary! This year also marked the periodic renewal period of the FPA which expires every 5 years.
It could not be a more perfect time to review and renew our FPA as we close out this significant anniversary year at the same time as the recent announcement of newly appointed Project Leader, Jess Wenick, and with long time Malheur NWR Wildlife Specialist, Carey Goss, being assigned Detail Deputy Project Leader.
Former Board Chair, William Tweed, sat down with myself, Jess, and Carey earlier this fall to discuss the final draft of the Agreement and discuss Refuge needs for the future. These conversations are always robust and earnest. Among many things, we discussed the Refuge’s staffing and financial limitations of which the forecast does indicate any improvements.
For example, in 2023 the allocation in federal discretionary funding for the US FWS Refuge System was approximately 2% less than the previous year and the fiscal year 2025 budget is expected to be a 6% decrease. This trend of straight budget cuts is one side of the coin, the other being a lack of budgetary adjustments to account for inflation year after year.
The question we are left being faced with is: How can the Friends continue to grow and support the Refuge in alignment with our mission? The answers are, of course, varied and plentiful. credit to the strength of our partnership we were able to work through these needs and arrive at consensus on some tangible goals and actions in the coming year(s).
To focus in on one example; the Friends and the Refuge’s volunteer programs. For years, FOMR and the Refuge have managed separate volunteer programs for the Nature Store and the Visitor Center. This year, to support the Refuge’s capacity restrictions, FOMR will take over the recruitment, scheduling, onboarding, and oversight of the Visitor Center in addition to the Crane’s Nest Nature Center & Store and Stewardship activities. With two full time staff members, FOMR is pleased to have the capacity to support the Refuge in this way which also directly aligns with our mission to promote the conservation and appreciation of Malheur Refuge’s natural and cultural resources.
In the coming year you will also start to see new FOMR Stewardship Project signs scattered throughout the public use areas of the Refuge. This is another, quite literal, sign of or ongoing presence and support of the Refuge’s resources.
Our interest in continuing to support the Youth Artist in Residence program, Tribal Stewards program, and seasonal biological technician programs are also a testament to our belief that investing in the next generation of naturalist, outdoor enthusiasts, and natural resources professionals is an investment in future advocacy for our Refuge and others like it.
The Friends of Malheur NWR are proud of the work that we accomplish in service to the Refuge and we hope that you, our supporters, are proud of your part in making this all possible.
