Project Titles:

• Visitor Center Photovoltaic Array (FFS #R3CA)
• Employ YCC Enrollees (FFS #R3NB)

State: Wisconsin

Project Description: The Necedah National Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin will receive funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to increase energy efficiency at the refuge’s new visitor center and to provide youth with summer employment opportunities. The funding provided will allow the refuge to include a photovoltaic array to the new visitor center it was already planning to build. Photovoltaic arrays convert sunlight into electricity. It is estimated that once installed and operational, the photovoltaic array will be able to satisfy most of the visitor center’s electricity needs.

The refuge will also use some of the funds to hire youth as part of the Youth Conservation Corps. This program provides summer employment for youth between the ages of 15 and 18 and provides them an opportunity to work, earn, and learn by completing projects that further the development and conservation of the nation’s natural resources. The most important objective of the program is to take young adults from different social, economic, racial, and cultural backgrounds and place them in an environment where they can constructively cultivate work, social, and educational skills.

For additional information about Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, visit the Necedah NWR website.

News Release: Secretary Salazar Announces $518,000 for Energy Conservation and Youth Employment at Necedah National Wildlife Refuge

Originally posted 08/10/2009