WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the Green River National Wildlife Refuge acquired an additional 437 acres to support opportunities for conservation, hunting, fishing and economic growth in Henderson County, Kentucky. The nation’s newest refuge is planned to expand from its initial 10 acres to 24,000 acres through acquisitions from willing sellers only. Senator McConnell, who has led this project in the Senate since 2002, secured a legislative provision in 2018 directing the U.S. Department of the Interior to establish the refuge.
In November 2019, Senator McConnell and U.S. Congressman James Comer (KY-01) hosted then-U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt in Henderson to officially unveil the Green River National Wildlife Refuge.
“America’s wildlife refuges support good jobs and treasured opportunities for outdoor recreation. By expanding the Green River National Wildlife Refuge, we are preserving Kentucky’s precious wilderness and cherished pastimes for future generations,” said Senator McConnell. “I’m grateful to Congressman Comer for his partnership as we tap into the broad support from conservationists, sportsmen groups and local families who recognize the importance of this wetland area. We still have a great deal of work to reach our goal of 24,000 acres near the Green River. With our friends at Fish and Wildlife, I look forward to continuing to deliver for this community as we protect and restore this magnificent refuge.”
With resources from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finalized an agreement to purchase two tracts of land totaling 437 acres from willing sellers. Last year, Senator McConnell led passage of the Great American Outdoors Act, the most significant conservation legislation enacted in nearly 50 years. In addition to delivering nearly $10 billion for overdue maintenance projects, the legislation also provided $900 million per year in permanent support for the LWCF to make announcements like this possible.
“The expansion of the Green River National Wildlife Refuge will allow Western Kentucky to showcase more of its natural beauty and advance outdoor recreation opportunities and wildlife interests,” said Congressman Comer. “The continual growth of this refuge will positively benefit Henderson and leave a lasting positive impact on the region for years to come. I want to thank Senator McConnell and U.S. Fish and Wildlife for their tireless commitment to advancing this crucial conservation project.”
Senator McConnell has included legislative provisions in multiple appropriations bills to encourage opening the Green River refuge to hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service expects to open newly-acquired lands to the public for some recreational opportunities, including wildlife photography and observation later this year. The Service also intends to add other public uses, including hunting and fishing, once required planning and rulemaking is completed and more land is acquired.
“The Fish and Wildlife Service appreciates the support of congressional leaders and other stakeholders on the addition of these new lands to Green River National Wildlife Refuge that will help ensure this network of lands and water grows and thrives to protect the area’s rich natural heritage and provide Kentuckians with the opportunity to connect with nature for years to come,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Director Leopoldo Miranda-Castro.
At Senator McConnell’s request, Governor Andy Beshear approved the use of federal “Duck Stamp” funding for land acquisition at the Green River National Wildlife Refuge in January 2020. These stamps, purchased by hunters, conservationists and stamp collectors provide additional revenue for federal conservation and outdoor recreation efforts.
“I am pleased to see the first large addition to the Green River National Wildlife Refuge. I would like to thank Senator McConnell for his leadership in securing funding for this long-term investment in preserving our impressive river habitat,” said State Senator Robby Mills, who represents Henderson County.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, more than 60 million people visited America’s national wildlife refuges in fiscal year 2020. They generated approximately $3 billion in economic activity and supported 41,000 jobs nationwide.
“It’s really exciting to see the refuge gets its first big tract of land,” said Henderson County Judge-Executive Brad Schneider. “Senator McConnell’s vision for this project, along with those of the many local advocates who pushed for so long to make it a reality, is now one very large step closer to being what we all believe it can be. Thank you, Senator McConnell.”
When Senator McConnell was first elected, Kentucky was the only state without its own national wildlife refuge. In 1996, he introduced legislation to establish Kentucky’s first refuge at Clarks River in the Jackson Purchase.
“For nearly two decades, Senator McConnell has been the driving force behind the establishment of this refuge,” said Henderson Mayor Steve Austin. “We’re grateful for his focus on Henderson and our conservation and recreation efforts. Henderson looks forward to being a prized destination for years to come.”
“The Nature Conservancy in Kentucky applauds the acquisition of 437 acres to expand the Green River National Wildlife Refuge in western Kentucky. These forested wetlands provide critical habitat for wildlife and migratory birds and will increase opportunities for outdoor recreation cherished by so many Kentuckians. Public lands are also often at the center of thriving communities – creating jobs and boosting local economies. We thank Senator McConnell for his tireless work to see the Green River National Wildlife Refuge established, and for his leadership in passing the Great American Outdoors Act, which provides funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund and makes announcements like this possible,” said David Phemister, State Director, The Nature Conservancy in Kentucky.
