Project Titles:

• Installation of Snow Guards and Gutters (FFS #R3GT)
• Headquarters Building Energy Retrofit (FFS #R3LA)
• Employ YCC Enrollees (FFS #R3NB)

State: Minnesota

Project Description: The Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge in Minnesota will receive funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to repair infrastructure and to provide youth with summer employment opportunities. The majority of the funding will be used to make the refuge’s existing headquarters building energy efficient. Nearly all aspects of the existing building are outdated and energy inefficient. New lighting, insulation, windows and water-saving fixtures will be installed throughout the building. In addition, a new geothermal heating and air conditioning unit will be installed to replace the existing air control systems. It is estimated these upgrades will provide a minimum energy savings of 30 percent annually.

In addition to headquarters building retrofit, the funding will also be used to make safety improvements to the maintenance building and to hire youth as part of the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC). The YCC 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 cultivate work, social, and educational skills.

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

News Release: Secretary Salazar Announces $443,000 for Energy Efficiency, Infrastructure Improvements, and Youth Employment at Sherburne NWR

Originally posted 08/10/2009