Members of the Barker family (right to left): Matther Barker (Jason and Julie's son), Ron Barker (Jason's dad), Gerry Barker (Jason's mom), Samantha Barker (Jason and Julie's daughther), Jeff Barker (Jason's brother), and Mary Carey (Jason's aunt) at the Dedication. - USFWS photo by Les Peterson

Jason Barker, former Deputy Project Leader at the Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District was recognized at a federal Dedication Ceremony on May 25, with the naming of the Jason Barker Waterfowl Production Area (WPA), in Mahnomen County.  Mr. Barker, who was widely recognized as an enthusiastic conservationist, died in 2002, after a spirited battle with cancer.  The 688 acre WPA, selected as his namesake, is three miles north of Mahnomen and has a unique history.  The lands, now protected as WPA, contain a complex of over 127 restored wetlands.  The WPA tract was transferred to the USFWS from FmHA in 2005, ending a 30 year historic legal battle to protect the wetlands on the site which were enrolled under a USFWS wetland easement.

More than 70 people were in attendance, including many members of the Barker family who traveled to the site from Maine. Other attendees included representatives from the USFWS (regional and national offices), Minnesota DNR, the Farm Service Agency, and Blackwater NWR (where Jason and Julie Barker had previously worked).  Several former managers and employees who worked on the easement violation were also in attendance.  

Dedication activities included the unveiling of the Jason Barker WPA sign and comments by coworkers, friends and family members.  Jason was wildly recognized as a passionate conservationist, who was particularly enthusiastic about waterfowl. 

Local community leaders  noted Jason’s commitment to bringing excellence to his family and community relationships, and was just as dedicated to the natural resources.  National Chief of Refuge Law Enforcement Mark Chase, Washington D.C., recognized Jason’s contributions to the National Wildlife Refuge System, and commented on Jason’s positive attitude and integrity.   Family members of Mr. Barker noted his passion for hunting and the waterfowl identification techniques they learned while hunting with him.

Scott Kahan, Project Leader for the Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District noted that the Barker WPA is part of the critical land and water complex around the Mahnomen region that supports a very high production of migratory birds and other wildlife . During the ceremony, the diversity of wildlife was apparent on the Barker WPA as prairie chickens, waterfowl, and prairie song birds flew near the dedication site through out the ceremony.