Birders can now borrow binoculars and bird guides at eight Pacific Region national wildlife refuges as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System's Birding Initiative, created to help birders understand the importance of national wildlife refuges to their sport. A number of events are planned to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day May 9.

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On April 26, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will invest $280 million in more than 830 projects nationwide through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The Service's Pacific Region states of Hawai'i, Oregon, Washington and Idaho combined received approximately $37.2 million. The investment will finance 94 construction, energy efficiency, habitat restoration and other improvement projects at national wildlife refuges, fish hatcheries, fish technology centers and other public and private lands to create jobs and ensure our nation's fish and wildlife resources, treasured landscapes and rich heritage are conserved for future generations.

Paul Heimowitz, Aquatic Nuisance Species Coordinator, for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Pacific Region, talks about the importance of interagency Quagga and Zebra Mussel Rapid Response exercises. The 100th Meridian Initiative's Columbia River Basin Team tests its contingency plans in Pacific Northwest waters.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Web site

5/7/09 - $12 Billion Interior Budget Focuses on New Energy Frontier, Climate Impacts, Americas Treasured Landscapes, a 21st Century Youth Conservation Corps, and Native American Communities    

5/7/09 - International Migratory Bird Day 2009 Celebrates "Birds in Culture"    

5/6/09 - Barns and Bluegrass Event at Finley NWR on Saturday, May 9th