Project Titles:

• Installation of Snow Guards and Gutters (FFS #R3GT)
• Headquarters Building Energy Retrofit (FFS #R3LA)
• Employ YCC Enrollees (FFS #R3NA*)
• Employ 6 Conservation Interns (FFS #R3NC*)

State: Minnesota

Project Description: The Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge in Minnesota benefited from more than $460,000 in 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 was successfully used to make the refuge’s existing headquarters building energy efficient. Nearly all aspects of the existing building were outdated and energy retrofitting were greatly needed. New lighting, insulation, windows and water-saving fixtures were installed throughout the building. In addition, a new geothermal heating and air conditioning unit was installed to replace the existing air control systems. It is estimated these upgrades will provide a minimum energy savings of 30 percent annually. This project was completed in the Fall 2011.

In addition to headquarters building retrofit, safety improvements to the maintenance building were completed in the Summer 2010. And another $18,000 led to hiring youth as part of the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) with an additional $7,500 used to employ conservation interns. 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

*Projects R3NA and R3NC are Regionwide projects impacting multiple sites. Visit the Youth Employment in the Midwest Region project page to learn more about the youth employment projects taking place in this region.

Originally posted 08/10/2009
Updated 06/01/2010
Updated 06/15/2010
Page Completed 11/09/2011