Award honors work at Black River unit of
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

Seattle – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Saturday gave the Nature Conservancy of Washington its 2004 National Land Protection Award, a nationwide honor that recognizes a group, agency or corporation for making a "significant contribution" to land protection for fish and wildlife.

The award pays tribute to the Conservancy’s Washington state chapter for its work at the Black River Unit of the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, where the Conservancy, according to John Saxhaug, the Service’s deputy chief of realty, "has been one of our most effective partners." The award was announced at the national Land Trust Rally in Providence, Rhode Island, the largest annual gathering of land protection professionals in the country.

"The Conservancy’s strong and continuing commitment to protect this system has been instrumental in the growth of the Black River Unit," Saxhaug said in a letter to the chapter announcing the award.

The Black River, which originates at Black Lake in Thurston County, is one of the healthiest freshwater wetland systems in the Puget Sound and a place much loved by recreationists who enjoy canoeing or kayaking its slow-moving waters. Because of the river’s ecological and recreational significance, Congress approved creation of the 3,610-acre Black River Unit in 1996.

The Conservancy played a lead role in highlighting the need for the refuge and advocating for its creation. Over the last several years, the Conservancy has also purchased several hundred acres within this new unit and transferred those lands to the Service, making no net profit on any of these transactions. One of those parcels—the 185-acre Weiks dairy farm—was owned by a Seattle development company that planned to build 40 or more homes on the site.

"The Nature Conservancy’s role has been truly remarkable," said Jean Takekawa, manager of the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. "The Conservancy took considerable financial risks, has been creative and tenacious and has helped to build community support for this incredible place. As a result, nearly one-third of this new unit is now protected."

The Conservancy has also played a significant role at other national wildlife refuges in Washington state.

At the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, the organization has helped to add approximately 1,000 acres of wetlands, ancient forests and other important habitat to the 13,600-acre refuge. The Conservancy is now partnering with the refuge on a $750,000 grant to restore 15,000 acres of forested lands. The organization has also successfully advocated for public funds for the control of an invasive non-native grass called spartina, which has threatened the health of Willapa Bay. Those dollars have made a profound difference; spartina is on the decline in Willapa Bay for the first time in many years.

"The Conservancy’s contributions to the ecological health of this refuge have been considerable," said Charlie Stenvall, manager of the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge. "We’re thrilled to see the organization honored with this award. The chapter is remarkably deserving."

And in Eastern Washington, the Conservancy recently supported the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, stepping in at the refuge’s request last year to add 80 acres of critical freshwater habitat, the largest addition since 1997.

"We very much appreciate the Conservancy’s willingness to work with us in protecting and restoring wetland habitat here in the channeled scablands of Eastern Washington," said Nancy Curry, manager at the Turnbull refuge. "When we need the help, the Nature Conservancy is there for us."

David Weekes, director of the Conservancy’s Washington chapter, said he greatly appreciated the Service’s recognition of the organization’s work in support of our nation’s wildlife refuges. "These refuges are treasures, harboring plants and animals that represent the nation’s natural heritage. We’re honored that we can work to strengthen them. And we thank the Service for recognizing the value of our contribution."