The Northeast Region's Lake Umbagog (New Hampshire) National Wildlife Refuge was recently honored as a ?21st Century American Heritage Refuge? by Americans for Our Heritage and Recreation. Over one hundred elected officials, cooperating agency officials, nonprofit conservation partners and private landowners were present for the designation, which was part of a ceremony to mark the 100th anniversary of the National Wildlife Refuge System at the refuge's Potter Farm.

Americans for Our Heritage and Recreation gave the designation to Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge for the Service's wise use of funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act in acquiring refuge land. The organization also honored U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg as a ?Rough Rider? for his support of Land and Water Conservation Fund utilization and of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Gregg gave the ceremony's keynote address and assisted with the burial of a time capsule. Richard Moore, president of the Audubon Society of New Hampshire, spoke on the area's recent designation as an Important Bird Area.

For more information, contact Paul Casey, refuge manager, at (603) 482-3415.

NORTHEAST REGION, U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE -- Conserving the Nature of the Northeast