Jeffords, Leahy Celebrate Opening Of
 Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters

SWANTON (Friday, Oct. 14) – U.S. Sens. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., and Jim Jeffords, I-Vt., Friday joined supporters of the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge to celebrate the opening of the refuge’s new headquarters in Swanton.

Leahy and Jeffords have jointly secured federal funding for the refuge’s new state-of-the-art headquarters. In addition to providing work space for the refuge’s staff, the headquarters features classrooms, conference rooms, and other tools to educate visitors about conserving the refuge and its environmental significance. The building will also feature several forms of renewable energy and energy efficient technology including a wind turbine, groundwater heating and cooling, and passive solar heating.  Leahy led efforts to secure the funding as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and a member of the Interior Subcommittee.  Jeffords worked to authorize the funds as the Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. 

“Every time I visit this refuge I am reminded that it is one of Vermont’s great natural treasures,” said Jeffords. “I am delighted the refuge now has a headquarters that not only reflects the beauty and importance of these lands, but also has the capacity to teach visitors about the importance of their natural surroundings.” 

“The Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge is important to so many Vermonters,” said Leahy.  “This facility is a headquarters worthy of the Refuge.  It will surely help in the conservation work of the Refuge and of the Lake Champlain watershed, and it will help educate Vermonters and all visitors about its importance to our state’s environment.”

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, which sits on over 6,500 acres near Vermont’s Canadian border. This land, which includes much of the Missisquoi River delta, serves as a feeding and breeding ground for flocks of migratory birds as they travel between their northern and southern habitats.

# # # # #