JACKSON, Wyo. — Today the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announced availability of the final Environmental Assessment (EA) for a replacement visitor center on the National Elk Refuge (Refuge). Through this long-term planning process, the Refuge is refocusing the outreach vision of their center to better align with the Refuge purpose and National Wildlife Refuge System mission.
The Service has evaluated effects and alternatives associated with construction of a replacement facility. Breaking ground on a completely redesigned facility, made possible in part by Great American Outdoors Act Great American Outdoors Act
This landmark conservation law, enacted in 2020, authorizes the use of up to $1.9 billion a year in energy development revenues for five years for needed maintenance to facilities and infrastructure in our wildlife refuges, national parks, forests, recreation areas and American Indian schools.
Learn more about Great American Outdoors Act funding, is anticipated in 2025. A copy of the final EA can be found on the Refuge’s website at: https://www.fws.gov/media/final-environmental-assessment-replacement-visitor-center-national-elk-refuge
The new center will serve as the front door of the National Elk Refuge. The completely redesigned facility will include indoor and outdoor components and will enable the Service to reach a more diverse audience both within the local community and among the millions of national and international visitors to the Jackson Hole area each year. “Our goal is to create a welcoming space where audiences can be introduced to the Refuge, find opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreation provided by the Service, understand our role in conserving wildlife habitat and learn about broader conservation goals of the National Wildlife Refuge System” said Visitor Services Manager Raena Parsons.
Learn more about the National Elk Refuge at: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/national-elk
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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit www.fws.gov, or connect with us through any of these social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and YouTube.
– FWS –
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