The sponsor poster displayed at the FUMFS banquet. Over 70 different sponsors contributed $7,500 worth of prizes. - FWS graphic

On October 10, 182 people from the La Crosse/Onalaska community attended the 1st Annual Friends of the Upper Mississippi Fishery Services (FUMFS) Banquet.  The banquet included a silent auction, raffle, dinner, music, and award ceremony. 

Four awards were given to the North American Squirrel Association (local award) for their work with disabled hunters and anglers, Don Hultman – Refuge Manager of the Upper Mississippi NWR (regional award) for his service with the CCP, Doug Aloisi – Project Leader Genoa NFH (regional award) for his effort with endangered species at the fish hatchery, and Neil Rettig (national award) for his work with filmmaking and the natural world. 

Neil Rettig's work including 88 films have resulted in numerous awards, including 3 Emmy's in cinematography.  He has partnered with National Geographic, Audobon, and the Discovery Channel.  At the FUMFS banquet, Neil Rettig received the Silver Eagle award from the USFWS signed by Robyn Thorsen, which is the Midwest Region's most prestigious award given to individuals outside the Service.

Over 70 sponsors donated over $7,500 worth of prizes including fishing poles, muzzleloader, wildlife prints, photographs, trail camera, cash prizes, and much more.  The FUMFS banquet raised $5,000 for the development of a permanent educational exhibit for the new Eco-Park in La Crosse, Wisconsin. 

This new zoo is currently being designed in La Crosse, and Phase 1 of the project will hopefully be completed in 2009.  The Eco-Park will be created in the same area that Myrick Park currently stands.  Myrick Eco-Park will feature animals indigenous to North America and reflective of Wisconsin, as well as have an educational center.

The FUMFS group hopes to have an exhibit in the nature center that will show how much of a national treasure the Mississippi River is.  Members of the Friends group hope to tell the past, present, and future story of the “Mighty Miss” and entice the public into working with FUMFS, preserving the river’s valuable assets. FUMFS wishes to thank all of the generous donators and the community for contributing to this great event and the new exhibit at the Eco-Park.