Tell legislators: No federal budget cuts at Sherburne

Federal budget cuts have endangered the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. Our staffing has been reduced, and it’s uncertain how future cuts or rehirings will affect the refuge. 

 

What is certain: any budget cuts will negatively affect the refuge. Sherburne already operates with 50% of the staff it had in 2010, and budget cuts have and will continue to result in fewer public and educational events, less trail maintenance and habitat management, fewer visitor services, and could result in closed trails and areas of the refuge for hikers, wildlife enthusiasts, and hunters.

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Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge was created for birds, wildlife, and people — not politics. Tell your federal legislators we need to fully fund our wildlife refuges to maintain critical habitat conservation and properly serve visitors.

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How to take action in 3 easy steps

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1. Find your legislators

   • Visit Find Your U.S. Member

   • Enter your full address

   • Click "Contact" to visit your legislator's contact form

2. Personalize your message

   • Copy and paste the message template below into your legislator's contact form

   • Personalize it with your information and 2-3 sentences like:

     • Why you care about the refuge

     • How you've used the refuge

     • Why conservation matters to you

3. Send your message

   • Send your message to your Representative and Senators

   • Optional: Share this page on social media to spread awareness

   • Optional: Mail or call your legislator instead — it can be more effective

 

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Message template for your legislators:

 

Dear [Representative/Senator],

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I am writing to express my concern about recent federal budget and staffing cuts negatively affecting the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge Complex and the broader National Wildlife Refuge System of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

 

These cuts have already negatively impacted the Sherburne Complex refuges. They threaten critical conservation efforts, nature education and visitor services for our local communities, outdoor recreation like hiking and hunting, and access to and conservation of 50,000 acres of our public lands and their wildlife habitat.

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I urge you to oppose federal budget cuts and restore full funding and support for the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge Complex and the broader National Wildlife Refuge System to ensure we can continue conserving critical habitat, providing nature education and recreation access, and protect our national heritage and wildlife.

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Sincerely,

[YOUR FULL NAME]

[STREET ADDRESS]

[CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE]

[PHONE NUMBER]

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For most Sherburne supporters, these are your federal contacts. If you're unsure, visit Find Your U.S. Member.

• Sen. Tina Smith: Email Form | (202) 224-5641

• Sen. Amy Klobuchar: Email Form | (202) 224-3244

• Rep. Tom Emmer: Email Form | (202) 225-2331​

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Stay Informed

• Sign up for Action Alert emails

• Support the Friends of Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge

 

Together, we can protect, conserve, and nurture appreciation for the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge.