Contact: Phil Kloer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Public Affairs Office; (404) 679-7125, philip_kloer@fws.gov

Service Director Sam Hamilton spoke about Teddy Roosevelt and the value of public land at the site dedication for Tennessee NWR’s new visitor center and headquarters

Paris, Tenn. – With Kentucky Lake glistening in the background and a bright sun warming the November morning, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Sam Hamilton dedicated the site for the new visitor center and headquarters at the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge on Thursday, Nov. 5.

“There is no system in the world dedicated to the one purpose of wildlife conservation that can compare to ours,” said Hamilton. “This is going to be a great facility. It’s going to put people to work in this community. It’s more than just the jobs created. It’s the long-lasting legacy that will be here for the children.”

Refuge manager John Taylor looked forward to school children learning about the outdoors.

The new center, which will include extensive environmental classrooms and educational exhibits, is being built with $6.3 million from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, also known as stimulus funds. Ground breaking is expected in spring of 2010.

“Education is one of the greatest gifts you can give someone,” said refuge manager John Taylor. “The value of this facility will be when visitors come to learn about wildlife, conservation and climate change. I see school groups coming here to learn about the natural world.”

A sign now marks the spot where the new center will be built, starting next year. From left: Eric McLauren, vice president of Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure Group, which will build the center; Sam Tharpe, mayor of Paris, Tenn.; director Sam Hamilton; refuge manager John Taylor; and Henry County Mayor Brent Greer.

Also in attendance were USFWS Southeast Region director Cindy Dohner; City of Paris Mayor Sam Tharpe; Henry County Mayor Brent Greer; representatives of Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure Group, which will build the new center; and about 75 members of Friends of the Tennessee NWR and citizens of Henry County.

For additional information and photos from the event, please visit the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge Recovery Act project page.

Originally posted 11/06/2009