2021 Friends Revenue & Expenditures
Government funding does not cover all that is necessary to manage a refuge. As a result, wildlife refuges depend on “Friends” groups like Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (FONWR) to fill in the gaps, providing financial and volunteer support. In 2021, support of Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge through all revenue streams totaled $585,274. A total of $167,900 went directly to helping the Refuge Complex and community in the areas of conservation, wildlife protection, research, law enforcement, and education. Refuge support includes items such as visitor access and maintenance projects, intern stipends, and field trip transportation. We also spent about $100,000 to purchase 16.5 acres for the refuge and began work to purchase a 12 acre parcel that we hope to acquire in 2022. About 40% of our assets are set aside for restricted refuge projects. Some of those that are scheduled to be completed in 2022 include an ADA compliant trail at the Fox Nature Preserve and a picnic shelter at the Nehls Memorial Nature Preserve. Friends Accomplishments in 2021
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The Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex had an operating budget of $346,239 for 2021.
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Without the generous donations that we receive from the Friends group, and the work performed by countless volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to accomplish our mission! By working together, we have successfully installed ADA accessible fishing platforms, made improvements to our wildlife drive, repaired our boardwalk, added water recreation access, as well as installed interpretive signage, and increased trail maintenance at some of our satellite properties. All of these tasks are completed with the help of our Friends group and volunteers, working side by side with refuge staff. Thank you all for your support of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge! Here is the breakdown of the refuge expenditures for 2021:
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