The Upper Mississippi Wildlife and Fish Refuge - Virtual Tour and Project Update

Zoom or in person event, sponsored by the Izaak Walton League of Minnesota
January 27 at 6:30 pm

Click here to join the meeting on Jan 27 at 6:30

The in-person event will be held at the IWLA Minnesota Valley Chapter House
​6601 Auto Club Road - Bloomington, MN

Creation of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge) was largely the result of the Izaak Walton League, and in particular, the efforts of its founder and leader, Will Dilg.  Dilg's vision became a reality on June 7, 1924 when Congress passed the Act establishing the Refuge.  Today the Refuge begins near Wabasha, MN and extends downstream for 261 miles ending near the Quad Cities of Iowa and Illinois. In this meeting, participants will take a journey around the Refuge highlighting recent efforts in MN that perpetuate Dilg's vision. 

Mary Stefanski has served as Winona District Manager Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge since 2005.  She enjoys the challenges and nontraditional opportunities that come from managing in partnership on a multi-use, large river project.  Prior to Winona, Mary was the Refuge Manager of the Rice Lake and Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuges in McGregor, MN.  She has also held positions at the LaCrosse District and MN Valley National Wildlife Refuges. Mary is a graduate of St. Cloud and Mankato State Universities and East Chain High School, all in Minnesota. 

Mary Stefanski testing ducks for Avian Influenza, photo from Rochester Post Bulletin September 28, 2017