U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Midwest

In the environmental realm, the word “invasive” has an infamous definition: an exotic species whose introduction into an ecosystem in which the species is not native causes, or is likely to cause, environmental or economic harm or harm to human health. Examples of some invasive species are asian carp, feral swine and emerald ash borer. Using research and the best available science, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service partners with landowners and conservation groups to combat invasive species in key restoration focus areas across the Midwest.

Check out our best stories from around the web and social media. This week features tick strategy, little skunks, a Seney swarm and more!

On June 21, 2017, Deputy Regional Director Charlie Wooley joined Missouri Department of Conservation Director Sara Parker Pauley and other representatives from the State of Missouri and the Missourians for Monarchs collaborative to celebrate Missouri Governor’s Eric Greitens’ proclamation that June 19 - 25, 2017 is Pollinator Week in the State of Missouri. The proclamation ceremony was held in Jefferson City, Missouri, at the Carnahan Memorial Garden outside the Governor’s Mansion.

The Ohio Pollinator Habitat Initiative is working to engage all Ohioans with monarch conservation, including nontraditional conservation partners. One such partner has answered the call to save the monarch - the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.

Check out our best stories from around the web and social media. This week features a great catch, mini mallards, pollinating moths and more!

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke announced $1.1 billion in annual funding for state wildlife agencies from revenues generated by the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration acts. Nationally over $349 million will be distributed to states through Sport Fish Restoration Funds in Fiscal year 2017 and over $780 million will be distributed to states through the Wildlife Restoration Funds in Fiscal year 2017.

Midwesterners take every opportunity to get out on the water during our short season and National Fish and Boating week in early June was perfectly timed at the start of summer to kick off National Great Outdoors Month. Many people don’t realize that boating has a valuable impact on our economy and on conservation.

Check out our best stories from around the web and social media. This week features natural mosquitto control, National Fishing and Boating Week, red bird identification and more!

On June 7, 2017, Mark Holey received the Buzz Besadny Award for fostering Great Lakes partnerships. The award was presented to Mark by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission for his exceptional work bringing people together in support of Great Lakes fishery management. Over his 37 year career Mark has provided valuable leadership on many topics, including species recovery in the Great Lakes, tribal issues, mass marking, sea lamprey control, the Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act, Astroturf spawning reefs and aquatic connectivity.

Fishing is a great American tradition that brings families and communities together. When you go fishing with your family, you also support a conservation heritage that provides public access to outdoor experiences.

National Trails Day was the perfect time to celebrate the unveiling of the newest segment of the North Country Trail. Regional Director Tom Melius joined members from the Minnesota Waters and Prairie Chapter of the North Country Trail Association to mark the occasion on June 3, 2017 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and hike.

For more than 25 years, staff at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge have been introducing young anglers to the fun and excitement of fishing in the heart of the Twin Cities. As the school year wrapped up this spring, students, their teachers and a few lucky parent chaperones, from Poplar Bridge Elementary school in Bloomington, Minnesota continued the tradition.

Buying a fishing license is quick, easy and directly contributes toward conservation efforts. In most states, licenses can be purchased online, by phone or at retail establishments.

The sun was out and fishing lines in the water as children and their families celebrated the 9th annual Children’s Fishing Day at Pendills Creek National Fish Hatchery in Brimley, Michigan. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Pendills Creek Hatchery, more than 250 attendees were provided free lunch and all young anglers went home with a brand new tackle box.

Sara Dykman “ButterBikes with the butterflies” to give a voice to one of the quietest, and yet most amazing, animal migrations on earth: the multinational, multigenerational migration of monarch butterflies. This year, Sara is bicycling with monarch butterflies more than 10,000 miles from overwintering grounds in Mexico, to Canada, and back again.

With school doors closing, kids (and parents) are anxious to find a fun, easy outdoor summer activity. This is the perfect time to get the entire family out to a fishing event hosted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at a national fish hatchery or national wildlife refuge. Numerous Service-sponsored fishing events will take place during National Fishing and Boating Week (June 3 – 11).

Check out our best stories from around the web and social media. This week features a swimming moose, bats at the bird feeder, busy parents and more!

It was love at first sight, but something has changed and you’re ready to move on. Now it’s time to break up with your goldfish. Like all break ups, separating from your aquarium pet is complicated. Imagining an amicable parting of ways as you throw your finned friend into a nearby pond? Or perhaps a vengeful flush of the toilet? Either way, you’re choosing the wrong path. Many of the animal invaders in our country, such as lionfish and snakeheads, started out as a bad break up with a pet. Venomous fins and wicked teeth notwithstanding, your goldfish is no exception.

Check out our best stories from around the web and social media. This week features egg identification, endangered ozarks, a badger surprise and more!

Yesterday, the National Wildlife Refuge Association celebrated the 114th anniversary of the National Wildlife System and the people who help protect America’s lands and waters. Midwest Regional Director Tom Melius was honored to recognize two Midwest Region award winners as a part of the Association’s 2017 National Wildlife Refuge System Awards for outstanding conservation management skills and volunteer leadership in Washington, D.C.