SWANTON, VT – Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) today visited the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge to discuss federal conservation efforts, the importance of protecting Vermont’s environment, and outdoor recreation opportunities for generations to come.
His visit came ahead of National Wildlife Refuge Week, which is celebrated October 8-14th, 2023.
“We’re blessed to live in Vermont and be surrounded by the natural beauty of our state. We need to do everything in our power to protect it—not only for those who enjoy it today, like the wildlife enthusiasts, the hikers, the anglers, the photographers, and the folks who just cherish the great outdoors—but also for the next generation of Vermonters,” said Sen. Welch. “I want to know my grandkids will get to see the meadowlark fly overhead, and the soft-shelled turtle crawl around this marsh. If we don’t take meaningful action on climate change, they might not get that opportunity.”
Senator Welch has championed a variety of federal conservation and climate bills throughout his time in the House and now as a member of the Senate. He has worked to reauthorize critical funding programs that support our water systems. He is fighting to protect conservation resources and funding for farmers in the Farm Bill, and has introduced legislation to streamline programs for farmers so they can better access conservation programs. This week, he introduced a bill to delink the development of renewable energy from oil and gas leasing.
The Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1943 for the management and protection of migratory birds. In 2013 it was designated as a ‘Wetland of International Importance’ under the international Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, a designation held by only 41 wetlands in the United States. The refuge manages nearly 7,000 acres in Swanton, in addition to land in Westville, NY and Derby.
See photos from the visit below:
