Tell Congress: Reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund for wildlife refuges

National wildlife refuges need safe, reliable infrastructure to protect wildlife, restore habitat, welcome visitors, and serve communities — and Congress has the opportunity right now to make that happen.

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The Legacy Restoration Fund created by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) in 2020 has helped address long-deferred maintenance needs on public lands, including national wildlife refuges. These investments support repairs and improvements to visitor centers, boardwalks, trails, water infrastructure, operational buildings, and other essential assets.

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This funding has helped Sherburne NWR make tangible improvements:

• GAOA funding improved refuge roads, trails, and entry points to improve safe, reliable public access and enhance visitor experience at the refuge, including hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, and other wildlife-dependent recreation.

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• GAOA funding enabled Sherburne NWR to repair water control structures and strengthen refuge dikes, enhancing critical wetland habitat for wildlife and improving overall wetland quality for waterfowl and other species.

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But our refuge continues to need funding support from Congress. Reauthorizing and strengthening the fund will improve public safety, expand recreation access, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and support habitat restoration across the Refuge System — including right here at Sherburne NWR.

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Tell your U.S. Senators and Representative to reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund and support Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. 

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How to take action in 3 easy steps

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1. Find your legislators

   • Visit Find Your Congress Member

   • Enter your full address

   • Click "Contact" to visit your senator's and representative'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 refuge infrastructure matters to you

3. Send your message

   • Send your message to your Representative and both 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 urge you to reauthorize the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund and to support an additional $100 million annually for the National Wildlife Refuge System and other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands and waters.

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The Legacy Restoration Fund has made a meaningful difference at refuges across the country, including Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Minnesota. This funding through the Great American Outdoors Act has enabled Sherburne NWR to improve its refuge roads and trails to improve safe public access, as well as to repair water control structures and strengthen dikes that are essential to wetland habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.

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The needs remain great. The Refuge System manages more than 41,000 assets valued at over $55 billion — nearly half of which are at least 40 years old, many with identified yet deferred maintenance issues. Without continued investment, visitor safety, habitat quality, and public access will all suffer.

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I urge you to reauthorize and strengthen the Legacy Restoration Fund. Wildlife refuges protect biodiversity, support local economies, and provide irreplaceable recreational and educational opportunities for Americans. They deserve the investment.

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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 lawmakers. If you're unsure, visit Find Your Congress 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.