Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin ? An overwhelming percentage of visitors to Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge  2010 and 2011 were favorably impressed with its recreational opportunities, education and services, according to a peer-reviewed government survey released today. Some 90 percent of respondents gave consistent high marks to all facets of their refuge experience.

The survey, commissioned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and designed, conducted, and analyzed by researchers with the U.S. Geological Survey, evaluated responses from more than 200 adult visitors surveyed at the refuge between July 2010 and November 2011. Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge was one of 53 national wildlife refuges surveyed.

The National Wildlife Refuge System, managed by the Service, is the nation's premier system of public lands and waters set aside to conserve wildlife and wildlife habitat. Refuges protect thousands of species; more than 400 also are open to the public and popular recreation sites, noted for their hunting and fishing, paddling and hiking, environmental education programs and wildlife observation. More than 45 million people visited national wildlife refuges in 2011.

Some surveyed visitors (14%) reported they had only been to the McGregor District stretch of the refuge once in a 12 month period while most (86%) reported they were repeat visitors with multiple visits.  These repeat visitors reported they had visited the refuge an average of 23 times during that same 12-month period.

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge was established in 1924 as a breeding place for migratory birds, game animals, fur-bearing animals, fish and other aquatic mammals. The 261 miles of marshes, wooded islands and floodplain forest provides homes and resting spots for countless numbers of fish and wildlife

"One of our respondents said that [visiting the refuge] "is a once in a lifetime experience that words cannot do justice." For those of us living along this river refuge we realize what a treasure we have right here in the heartland of America.  A place where conservation efforts allow wildlife to thrive and visitors can appreciate their wildlife heritage, "said Refuge Manager Kevin Foerster.

Of survey participants,

•           92 percent reported satisfaction with recreational activities and opportunities;
•           79 percent reported satisfaction with information and education about the refuge;
•           72 percent reported satisfaction with services provided by refuge employees or volunteers; and
•           84 percent reported satisfaction with the refuge's job of conserving fish, wildlife and their habitats.

Some survey participants also volunteered enthusiastic comments, such as this one: "Refuges make me aware that I am a part of the American experience and not just an observer. Nowhere else do I feel such a deep sense of connection with the land, the plants, and the wildlife. Visiting a refuge is truly a spiritual experience."

Among the most popular refuge activities visitors engaged in were wildlife observations, bird watching, photography, hiking and auto-tour-routes.  Most visitors also reported viewing refuge exhibits, asking information of staff or volunteers and visiting a refuge gift shop or bookstore.

USGS social scientist Natalie Sexton was the lead researcher on the report. The survey is available at http://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/643/

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The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

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The Quad City Symphony Orchestra will perform some cool, new music in some cool, new digs this weekend when the QCSO presents the high-energy, rhythmic compositions of contemporary composer Marc Mellits in Davenport's Redstone Room. Marc Mellits is one of the leading American composers of his generation, enjoying hundreds of performances throughout the world every year. His unique musical style is an eclectic combination of driving rhythms, soaring lyricism, and colorful orchestrations that all combine to communicate directly with the listener. This final concert of the Signature Series is in the Redstone Room of the River Music Experience on May 19 at 8:00 p.m.

The Quad City Symphony Orchestra's Principal Percussionist Aaron Williams has selected works from Mellits' high energy and sensual catalog. Helping Williams bring this vibrant music to life will be QCSO musicians: Principal Cellist Hannah Holman, Pianist Mary Neil, and Percussionist Tony Oliver.

Marc Mellits will be hosting this concert and meeting with audience members at 7:00 p.m. before the concert. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for a cash bar and light hors d'oeuvres.

Tickets for this concert are $18 and can be purchased at www.qcsymphony.com, 800.745.3000, and all Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets are also available at the River Music Experience and can be purchased at the door.

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack recently called on leaders in the House of Representatives to extend a program, which is designed to ensure faster disaster recovery through economic growth and development.  Created by Loebsack and Senator Grassley in the aftermath of the 2008 Floods, Midwestern Disaster Area Bonds allowed for $2.6 billion for Iowa in tax-free bonding authority to be used for job creation and economic development.

Unfortunately, this authority expires at the end of the year, despite only $800 million having been used in Iowa.  Loebsack called on the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Committee to extend this job creation tool until 2015. Governor Branstad also supports an extension of the authority.

"The State of Iowa has worked hard to utilize much of this authority, but has been hit doubly hard with devastating floods on top of the worst recession since the Great Depression," Loebsack wrote to the Committee.  "Providing for an extension of Midwestern Disaster Areas Bond authority makes sense on a number of fronts, the foremost being job creation and economic growth.  I respectfully urge the Committee to include this common-sense extension which has broad bipartisan support in the Congressional Delegation, the State of Iowa, and the Midwest."

This bonding authority has aided many projects in Iowa, including a recent announcement by Iowa Fertilizer that they are considering building a $1.3 billion fertilizer plant in Southeast Iowa.  This bonding authority is being used to help attract the plant to Iowa and is projected to create 165 long-term jobs, as well as 1,500 to 2,000 jobs during its construction.

A copy of the letter can be seen here.

Tickets for pageant in Davenport available now

Davenport, IA - The Miss Iowa Scholarship Program will host its statewide pageant June 7^th-9^th, 2012 here at the historic Adler Theatre.

Tickets are available now via the Adler Box Office, 136 E. Third St., Davenport, TicketMaster outlets and www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available by mail order until May 25^th. A ticket form is available to download and print at the organization's web site (www.missiowa.com) under the 2012 Pageant tab.

In June 2011, Jessica Pray of Johnston, was named the 63^rd statewide titleholder. She then reached the Top 10 of Miss America ® 2012 this past January at Planet Hollywood Casino and Resort in Las Vegas, NV. At the completion of her year of service, Pray will have earned over $14,000 in scholarship dollars.

The Miss Iowa Scholarship Program is dedicated to community service and enriching the lives of women at several levels of participation from youth to adult. The Miss Iowa program is an official preliminary to Miss America ®.

The Miss Iowa program began with city representatives traveling to Atlantic City, NJ, such as Alta Sterling, Miss Sioux City 1924. In March 1996, the Miss Iowa program was recognized, by resolution of the Iowa Senate, as the "Official Hostess for the State of Iowa." Follow the program online at www.missiowa.com or on Facebook (Search: Miss Iowa Scholarship Program).

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