News for Immediate Release
Dec. 2, 2019
Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, [email protected]
HENDERSON, Kentucky – Backcountry Hunters & Anglers commended an Interior Department announcement in late November that establishes the Green River National Wildlife Refuge in western Kentucky.
BHA Kentucky chapter chair Stefan Flagg, of Versailles, offered the following reaction:
“The Kentucky Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is proud to report that on Nov. 22, the nation’s 568th national wildlife refuge was officially created in Henderson County. It is only the second such area completely in Kentucky. The first 10-acre tract was donated by the Southern Conservation Corporation and served as the dedication site.
“Kentucky BHA will actively support the future growth and promotion of the outdoor activities this addition to our public land kingdom provides. All Kentuckians should be excited about the sustainable engine of economic opportunity through outdoor recreation that the National Wildlife Refuge System provides our great nation.”
BHA President and CEO Land Tawney stressed the importance of establishing equal opportunity access to places to hunt and fish:
“Hunters and anglers have a century-plus stake in America’s refuge system, beginning with President Theodore Roosevelt’s establishment of the first national wildlife refuge at Pelican Island, Florida, in 1903. As a lifelong duck hunter, I keenly appreciate how sportsmen-generated funds from Duck Stamp sales have been responsible for the creation and expansion of hundreds of refuges across the country.
“The newly established Green River National Wildlife Refuge represents access and opportunity for sportsmen and women. BHA appreciates Interior Secretary Bernhardt’s acknowledgement of the crucial role played by our public lands in continuing our outdoor traditions.”
Kentucky BHA submitted a letter of support for the refuge’s establishment in October.
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