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              A partnership between Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge, The Chickasaw Nation, Johnston County Chamber of Commerce, and Tishomingo Refuge Ecology and Education Society has netted $24,000 to replace deteriorating directional and interpretative signs on the refuge.

            The Johnston County Chamber of Commerce, in early 2006, requested that the Chickasaw Nation assist with backlogged maintenance projects that developed from the 1997 Public Use Management Plan. The Chickasaw Nation responded by providing $24,000 to the refuge friends group TREES for sign replacement.

            The new signage should provide improved overall wildlife viewing opportunities in areas compatible with refuge purposes. The signs will also improve universal accessibility by directing visitors to ADA compliant recreational programs and facilities on the refuge.

            A main focus of this partnership was to allow neighboring communities and partners to assist with completing goals established in the Public Use Plan developing a win-win situation for both the refuge and the community.