The Senator leveraged his position as a senior member of the Appropriations Committee to advocate for the prioritization of Kentucky’s refuge system in the federal funding process.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), along with the Department of Interior (DOI), announced the funding of $11,372,000 to Green River National Wildlife Refuge in Henderson County and $6,621,000 to Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge in McCracken, Marshall, and Graves Counties. The federal funding will be used to purchase waterfowl habitat at two national wildlife refuges in Kentucky: 2,482 acres at Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge and 1,335 acres at the Green River National Wildlife Refuge.

This award is made possible through federal ‘Duck Stamps’ funding through the DOI Fish and Wildlife Service. The Senator also leveraged his position as a senior member of the Appropriations Committee to advocate for the prioritization of Kentucky’s refuge system in the federal funding process. “Duck Stamps,” purchased by hunters, conservationists, and stamp collectors, provide revenue to support federal conservation and outdoor recreation efforts across the United States.

In November 2019, Senator McConnell, U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials, and their counterparts from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources officially announced the establishment of the Green River National Wildlife Refuge with the acquisition of the first tract, a 10-acre parcel donated by the Southern Conservation Corp. And in 1996, Senator McConnell authored legislation to establish the Clarks River Refuge.

“Since my earliest days in Washington, I have sought to protect Kentucky’s green spaces through commonsense conservation policy. I’m grateful that Kentucky’s Wildlife Refuges will receive the resources they need and deserve to help sustain these natural treasures,” said Senator Mitch McConnell. “Our refuge system offers outdoor enthusiasts endless opportunities to enjoy Kentucky’s great outdoors while safeguarding our Commonwealth’s native landscape and boosting the local economy. I’m proud to support the protection of these wetlands so that Kentuckians can continue to preserve our Commonwealth’s natural heritage for years to come.”

“Today’s funding will go a long way toward preserving the unique ecosystem at the Green River National Wildlife Refuge. With these resources, the refuge can continue our vital work of protecting and restoring this natural habitat for the many hunters, fishers, hikers, and families who visit Henderson each year. We are immensely grateful for Senator McConnell’s important work to establish and fund Henderson’s refuge throughout the years. We look forward to collaborating with the Senator and his team in the future to uphold Kentucky’s conservation efforts,” said Chase Fulcher, President of The Friends of Green River National Wildlife Refuge.

“The Friends of Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge would like to thank the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, Senator McConnell and all parties who worked to conserve another 2482 acres in the Clark River NWR boundary. The Friends work alongside the refuge system to help protect, enhance and conserve land. This is an exciting announcement for everyone involved,” said Happy Chambers, President of The Friends of Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge.

“It is a great day for Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge. We are thrilled to see this funding brought home so that future generations can continue to enjoy our Commonwealth’s National Wildlife Refuges for years to come. We are very thankful for Senator McConnell’s support and are grateful for his longstanding work to promote Kentucky’s conservation and recreation initiatives,” Jeff Jones, Executive Director of the Southern Conservation Corporation.

“Ducks Unlimited members have always known how important the duck stamp program is to wetlands conservation. The dollars raised by the program fund our refuge system and contribute greatly to the lifecycle needs of waterfowl across the continent”, said Jeff Adams, State Chair of Kentucky Ducks Unlimited.  “We applaud Senator McConnell for his leadership in working with the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission and Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to provide these vital funds to strengthen the refuge system in Kentucky.  The Clarks River and Green River National Wildlife Refuges are recent additions to the system, and this funding will provide the necessary impetus to ensure a strong future for both of these natural wonders. It will also provide hunters, bird watchers, and outdoor enthusiasts an opportunity to enjoy their recreational pursuits, boost the economies of local communities, and provide the societal benefits of clean water, flood protection, and a reduced carbon footprint.”