Celebrating the refuge

 

Activities planned for Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge’s centennial

 

Theodore Roosevelt was the visionary president who established the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge.

 

 

By LEE JUILLERAT

H&N Regional Editor

July 17, 2008

   When the 100th anniversary of the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge is celebrated next month, former President Theodore Roosevelt will be there, at least in spirit. 

   Roosevelt is the visionary who created the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge Aug. 8, 1908, when he signed an executive order establishing the Lower Klamath as the nation’s first waterfowl refuge. 

   Celebration planned 

   A hundred years after that signing, refuge staff past and present, birders and others will celebrate that centennial with refuge tours, the dedication of new exhibits, a complimentary lunch and the issuance of unique memorabilia, including Lower Klamath poster and first day issue stamped envelopes with special refuge stamps. 

   “If Theodore Roosevelt were alive today I trust he would still recognize the significance of Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge,” said Ron Cole, the refuges’ project leader. 

   “It’s a recognition of the refuge anniversary and a chance for people to get together and talk about wildlife conservation in the Klamath Basin,” said refuge recreation specialist Dave Menke, who has been organizing a year’s worth of activities celebrating the centennial. 

   Day of activities 

   The public is invited to participate in the day’s activities, which will range from guided bus tours of the Lower Klamath to displays of historical items, includeing a copy of Roosevelt’s executive order. 

   Part of the celebration will, appropriately, focus on William Finley, a wildlife photographer/writer who helped generate national interest in Lower Klamath. Finley is credited with leading efforts to persuade Roosevelt to protect the area. 

A yellowheaded blackbird is featured on one of four special stamps issued as part of the 100th anniversary of the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge.

 

   Special stamps 

   The refuge has created special postal stamps that will be available only during the celebration. Although not issued by the U.S. Postal Service, the specially designed, commercially produced stamps can be used for mailing letters. As part of the celebration, the limited edition Lower Klamath stamps include a gadwall and duckling, pelican, pintail duck and yellow-headed blackbird. 

   Various speakers, including past employees and refuge managers, will discuss refuge history and snippets of life on the refuge. Officials from Siskiyou, Modoc and Klamath counties have been invited along with national U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service managers. 

   “We encourage people to come out and join us in the celebration,” Menke said.

 

 

 

 

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