Contacts: Heidi Keuler, 608-783-8417; Ashley Spratt, 612-713-5314
The Paul E. Stry Foundation of La Crosse, Wis. has awarded funds to Fishers & Farmers Partnership to implement communications strategies in 2011. The funds will expand the reach of the Partnership and its impact on farm health, the Mississippi River, and its tributaries.
Fishers & Farmers Partnership for the Upper Mississippi River Basin supports landowner-led, voluntary conservation projects that add value to farms while restoring aquatic habitat and native fish populations in the Upper Mississippi River watershed. It is directed by individuals from both agricultural and natural resource fields, and is a partnership of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan.
Landowner leadership and strong collaboration by supporting agriculture and conservation partners distinguish Fishers & Farmers’ strategy. On-the-ground projects may include: stabilization of eroding stream banks, reconnection to floodplain, construction of instream habitat, installation of prairie and forest buffers, exploration of alternative land uses, optimization of fertilizer application rates, enhanced grazing rotations, fenced creeks, or better watering systems. Rivers and fishery respond quickly and well to these straightforward techniques.
Learn more about the partnership at FishersAndFarmers.org .
Fish Habitat Partnerships consist of state, federal, and tribal agencies, non-governmental organizations, corporations and private individuals. They are self-identified, self-organized, and self-directed communities of interest formed around geographic areas, keystone species, or system types. There are five that focus their efforts all or in part in the Midwest Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These include the Driftless Area Restoration Effort, Midwest Glacial Lakes Partnership, Great Lakes Basin Fish Habitat Partnership, Ohio River Basin Fish Habitat Partnership, and the Fishers and Farmers Partnership of the Upper Mississippi River. Fish Habitat Partnerships are the working units of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan.
The mission of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan is to protect, restore and enhance the nation’s fish and aquatic communities through partnerships that foster fish habitat conservation and improve the quality of life for the American people. For more information visit http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Fisheries/nfhap.html.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov.
