It was a perfect evening.  A cool breeze blew across the river, keeping the mosquitoes at bay, as like-minded people gathered on a boathouse on the Upper Mississippi River.  They were there to talk about the river, its future, and how they could support the Refuge staff in managing the Refuge. 

Discussions covered a myriad of subjects but the conversation always circled back to this:  the people love their river and they want to preserve and protect it for future generations. 

The proposed task will be no small undertaking.  The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge has just competed their Comprehensive Conservation Plan.  It was not an easy job; at times it could be said it was excruciating. 

Some long-time supporters of the Refuge were lost along the way, but new friends have also been found.  As the Refuge made front-page headlines day after day after day people became aware, some for the first time, that their river was also a national wildlife refuge. 

Up until then it had just been a place where anyone could hunt, fish, boat, camp, swim, and play.  It put a face on the agency that has been managing a premier national wildlife refuge since 1924. 

Now a group of people want to organize and support the Refuge.  They want to bring people of different backgrounds and interests together for the good of the river.  They are willing to roll their sleeves up, get dirty, volunteer, promote partnerships and environmental education, and help improve fish and wildlife habitat. 

And they are willing to ask others to help.  A small group of people have met again and have begun charting the way for a new day, a new relationship between the people who love the Refuge and the people who manage the Refuge.