Podcasts about national wildlife refuge system

The Proposition 127 ballot initiative in Colorado has garnered national attention even as the presidential election and other national races dominate the headlines. The initiative, launched and supported by the Cats Aren't Trophies campaign, seeks to modify state law by criminalizing, according to the ballot language, “the intentional killing, wounding, pursuing, entrapping, or discharging or releasing of a deadly weapon at a mountain lion, lynx, or bobcat.” In this episode of the Animal Wellness Podcast, host Joseph Grove talks with Dan Ashe, the former director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and head of its National Wildlife Refuge System, the top wildlife management agency in the United States. Ashe is a vocal supporter of the Yes on Proposition 127 movement, which some consider ironic given that Ashe is a well-known hunter and proponent of hunting. Ashe tells Grove that Proposition 127 is actually a pro-hunting initiative, given the self-regulating nature of the big cats and their propensity to cleanse deer and elk herds of animals carrying the devastating Chronic Wasting Disease. Further, Ashe says, the methods of trophy hunting–using packs of dogs with high-tech equipment so “hunters” can simply shoot the cats out of a tree–is wholly at odds with traditional “fair chase” principles associated with true hunting. The two discuss the ethics, science, and biology supporting Proposition 127, with Ashe summarizing by saying “trophy hunting isn't hunting. It's killing.” Dan Ashe's pro-Prop 127 ad can be viewed here.   Ryan Luterman-Sevel produced the episode.

The federal government is in the process of updating its policies regarding management of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Montana ranchers are worried the new rule could prohibit cattle grazing on refuge lands.

The federal government is in the process of updating its policies regarding management of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Montana ranchers are worried the new rule could prohibit cattle grazing on refuge lands.

You can't make this up but you can look up Jenny Keatinge's resume. The policy writer/advisor for the National Wildlife Refuge System has worked for 3 of the greatest anti hunting outfits in existence. Yep, she's been employed by the anti hunting Mount Rushmore  of Defenders of Wildlife, HSUS and Center for Biological Diversity... and [...]

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is the federal agency responsible for managing the National Wildlife Refuge System. To manage the hundreds of refuges that expand across the United States, the USFWS establishes regulations and implements federal laws. For those unfamiliar with federal regulations or the regulatory process in general, it would help to understand the basics of what federal regulations exactly are. 

With over $1.1 Billion raised and 6 Million acres conserved, the Federal Duck Stamp Program is the most successful and efficient wetlands conservation program on the planet. Katie Burke and Mike Brasher go behind the scenes with Jerome Ford, assistant director of USFWSMigratory Bird Program, and Suzanne Fellows, manager of USFWS Duck Stamp Program, to learn about its history, conservation successes, art competitions, and new efforts underway to grow interest and investments in this iconic program.www.ducks.org/DUPodcastwww.fws.gov/service/buy-duck-stamp-or-e-stamp

Brad Bortner, retired Chief of the Division of Migratory Bird Management for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, joins the podcast to discuss his 38-year career in wildlife conservation and provide advice to those interested in pursuing a similar path. Bortner shares his experiences and career path, while also discussing challenging issues and favorite memories. Listeners interested in wildlife conservation and related fields can gain valuable insights from Brad's wealth of knowledge and expertise.

Live from San Antonio, our coverage of IPW continues with Peter DeWitt, Outstanding Natural Area Manager, Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse for the Bureau of Land Management, and Cortney Solum, Writer/Editor for National Wildlife Refuge System. Peter and Cortney shed light on the challenges and successes facing our nation's National Wildlife Areas and Protected Lands, including redistributing visitation away from over-crowded sites, the boundless appeal of the American landscape, and how nature delivers joy in any language.

It's late winter at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, Florida. Many birds have finished nesting, and young birds are everywhere. This morning, wind and tide have conspired to strand schools of fish in backwater ditches. And the birds are taking advantage of it. It's a feeding frenzy! White Ibises, Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, and American White Pelicans join in. Thanks to the National Wildlife Refuge System, these birds - and many others - can thrive in protected habitats.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.

Tony A. Schoonen is the Chief Executive Officer of the Boone and Crockett Club. Tony was born and raised in Butte, Montana. He grew up working on the Big Hole river for his father's guide service, first shuttling vehicles and later as a river guide, putting himself through college. He and a couple of buddies started a production company, Stoney-Wolf Productions, and produced the first ever video on elk hunting. The company expanded rapidly, eventually producing 2,000 programs filmed on five continents. The subject matter ranged from hunting and angling to documentaries and youth education. Tony later worked with The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, developing a corporate partners program and eventually becoming the Vice President of Marketing and Communications. In 2004, several of Tony's friends on the Board of Directors for Wonders of Wildlife, including John L. Morris, asked Tony to move to Springfield and help out with the museum and aquarium. Tony had a passion for Wonders of Wildlife since it was built in 2001, telling the story of conservation, providing a historical home for the American hunter and angler, and engaging and educating young people in and about the great outdoors. Tony served as Executive Director of the museum until he transitioned to the Boone and Crockett Club where he served as Chief of Staff and later the Chief Executive Officer. The Boone and Crockett Club is the nation's oldest conservation organization. Founded in 1887 by Theodore Roosevelt and George Bird Grinnell, the Boone and Crockett Club helped to establish the principles of wildlife and habitat conservation, hunter ethics, as well as many of the institutions, expert agencies, science, and funding mechanisms for conservation. Its contributions include enlarging and protecting Yellowstone, and establishing Glacier and Denali national parks, founding the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System, the Pittman-Robertson and Lacey Acts, creating the Federal Duck Stamp program, and developing the framework for modern game laws. Tony and his wife Jennifer are the proud parents of two girls. Tony hunts and fishes as much as time allows and includes his family whenever possible. All enjoy the great outdoors and share the same passion for wildlife and wild places.

'Trickle Down' does NOT work. For KGNU 'It's The Economy' host, Claudia Cragg spoke with SteadyState.org's Rob Dietz. He brings a fresh perspective to the discussion of economics and environmental sustainability with a diverse background in economics, environmental science and engineering, and conservation biology (plus his work in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors). His expertise has given him an unusual ability to connect the dots when it comes to the topic of sustainability.  Rob is the author, with Dan O'Neill, of . Rob has tried, he says, to align his personal life with the principles of a 'steady state economy'.  He lives with his wife and daughter in a co-housing community striving for development rather than growth. Rob Dietz is the Program Director at Post Carbon Institute, where he is responsible for guiding projects from conception to completion. With training and experience in ecological economics, environmental science, and conservation biology, he has built a career aimed at moving society in sustainable directions. Prior to joining Post Carbon Institute, Rob worked as a project manager at Farmland LP, helping to transition conventional farmland to organic. He was also the first executive director of the Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy (), taking it from an unfunded start-up organization to an internationally respected leader on new economic thinking.  He is the lead author of , a popular book on steady-state economics that Noam Chomsky called “lucid, informed, and highly constructive.” Rob also has produced dozens of articles and presentations on a variety of topics related to sustainability. Rob is a former Presidential Management Fellow, with appointments at the U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  He was the first person at the Fish and Wildlife Service to serve as a Conservation Goals Coordinator, a position that combined long-range planning and landscape modeling for the National Wildlife Refuge System. He also did time as an economic analyst at two Washington, DC, consulting firms. His educational background includes a master's degree in environmental science and engineering from Virginia Tech and an undergraduate degree in economics and environmental studies from the University of Pennsylvania.

Hello everyone. Welcome back for another year of the Outdoor Adventure Series Podcast. This is your Host Howard Fox. The Outdoor Adventure Series celebrates individuals & families, businesses, and organizations that seek out and promote the exploration, and enjoyment of the great outdoors. Our guest today is Rob Vinson. Rob is a Wildlife Refuge Manager with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He is currently the Wildlife Refuge Manager at the Pahranagat and Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuges, here in Southern Nevada.In this episode, Rob shares his passion for wildlife habitat and population management and seeing migratory birds utilize habitats that the Refuge Crews work hard to provide.Rob also discussed the ongoing research that takes in the refugees throughout the US, including the annual Christmas Bird Count.To learn more about Rob and his work, visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website at https://www.fws.gov/ and the Pahranagat and Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuges website at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/pahranagat/.You can also learn more about the Pahranagat and Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuges by visiting their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PahrandMoapaValleyNWR.To learn more about the National Audobon Society, visit their website at https://www.audubon.org/.To learn about the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences at Auburn University, visit their website at https://sfws.auburn.edu/.The Outdoor Adventure Series is a podcast production of Fox Coaching, Inc.

Climate change and the imperative to take action now is top of mind following the COP26 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow. The effects of climate change – rising sea levels, changing temperature and precipitation patterns, wildfires  and many other changes impact vulnerable natural resources, including national parks and wildlife refuges. In this episode, host Sarah Thorne and Jeff King, Deputy Lead of the Engineering With Nature Program at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, are joined by Rebecca Beavers, Coastal Geology and Adaptation Coordinator for the National Park Service and Scott Covington, Senior Ecologist for Refuges within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Rebecca and Scott share a strong commitment to protecting our national parks and wildlife refuges by making them more resilient to the changing conditions exacerbated by climate change. Teddy Roosevelt established the National Wildlife Refuge System in 1903 at Pelican Island, Florida, originally a five-and-a-half-acre island dedicated to saving Brown Pelicans from being over-harvested for their feathers. Sea-level rise and erosion have reduced Pelican Island to about two acres. “Thanks to an Engineering With Nature solution put in place about 20 years ago, that trend has been reversed,” Scott says. Pelican Island now stands at about three acres.  Scott describes how climate change is affecting refuge management today: “Refuges are typically established with a specific purpose, like protecting waterfowl, but because of the impact of climate change, we may not have waterfowl there anymore. We really need to be shifting our mindset about how we are managing that specific refuge, looking from a broader context, thinking about things like biodiversity. We want to look at the shorebirds, the wading birds, or whatever species and habitats are in that particular area and plan for species that are probably going to be leaving the area and new species that will probably be coming because of the shifts in climate.” Rebecca sees similar threats in her work with the National Park Service: “Many of these parks are changing in tremendous ways. Drought in the west is often followed by wildfire and following wildfire we're seeing landscape changes from major debris flows–cascades of water and rocks that come down the hillsides. These can affect homes, infrastructure, along with the habitats of the plants and animals which are very much affected.” Rebecca adds that the effects on natural features can be significant, “A freshwater marsh may become brackish where it has some of the saltwater components, or it may become a fully saline marsh–what we call a saltmarsh.” These changing conditions add complexity to the challenge of protecting and preserving the parks, along with the many physical structures of historical significance. “We also have to look at some of the other stressors that we put on the landscape. In some of these places we built dams that are great for hydroelectric power, but it also has an impact of holding up sediment further up the watershed.” Rebecca and Scott share several examples of EWN approaches being used to protect parks and refuges and make them more resilient.  At Fort Pulaski National Monument, on the Savannah River in Georgia, and Fort Massachusetts, on the Gulf of Mexico coast of Mississippi, beneficial use (BU) of sediment reduces coastal erosion and returns beneficial sediment to the system. Thin layer placement (TLP) of dredged sediments builds up sinking wetlands at the Chafee Refuge in Rhode Island, and in turn, protects and preserves wildlife habitat. Scott says, “Sea level rise is starting to eat away at the marsh, and we're having some marsh die off, along with the plants. With TLP, we're taking some dredge materials and actually stacking it on top of the marsh to buy some time. We've added a little bit to the elevation, and that gives vegetation a shot in the arm.” Rebecca adds that TLP was used on the Big Egg Marsh Project in Jamacia Bay, Gateway National Recreation Area, New York in 2003.  The Marsh is currently being resurveyed to provide insight into the effectiveness of the project and natural adaptation.  Collaboration is a key theme throughout this episode.  The leading-edge work at the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and the adjacent Harriet Tubman Underground Railway Park in Maryland is a great example of NFS, NPS, USACE, and several other non-government organizations working together to protect the marsh and this important historical landmark.  According to Scott, “This is a really good demonstration project to show what you can do when you work together with what nature gives you.” In closing the show, Jeff notes, “I'm truly moved by the energy and the enthusiasm and the wonderful examples that have been shared. Thank you to the Wildlife Refuge System and the National Park Service for being wonderful partners throughout the years. Their work is really accelerating practice and will continue to do so.” In Episode 6, Rebecca, Scott, and Jeff return to talk about working together on adaptive management strategies for the parks and refuges, and what individuals can do to help protect and preserve these priceless resources.   Related Links EWN Website ERDC Website Jeff King at LinkedIn Jeff King at EWN Network of Engineering With Nature EWN Atlas Series Rebecca Beavers at LinkedIn National Park Service Coastal Adaptation Strategies Handbook Olympic National Park and the Elwha Valley Fort Pulaski National Monument Gulf Islands National Seashore Fort Massachusetts – Gulf Islands National Seashore Jamaica Bay National Wildlife Refuge Gateway National Recreation Area, Jamaica Bay Unit In the Field: Restoring Big Egg Marsh National Park Service Climate Change Response Program National Park Service Coastal Geology Program Scott Covington at LinkedIn Climate Adaptation Science Centers Climate Change Page at USFWS National Wildlife Refuge System National Wildlife Refuge System History Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Hurricane Hugo Hurricane Sandy EWN Podcast S3E4: Engineering With Nature for Safe and Livable Cities

Martha Williams has informally led the Fish and Wildlife Service since January. The federal agency manages wildlife and habitat across the country and is in charge of more than 150 million acres of land in the National Wildlife Refuge System. FWS also administers the Endangered Species Act.

This week Clint and I talked with Rick Hoffines and Eliot Berz. Rick is the Executive Director for the Tennessee River Gorge Trust. He joined the organization in 2013 after retiring from a 26-year career of public service with the US Fish and Wildlife Service where he has worked throughout the Southeast in five different states in various capacities. Most recently, Rick served as the Deputy Regional Chief of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Eliot Berz received his bachelor's degree in environmental studies from Sewanee: The University of the South. Eliot has worked on public access endeavors on various blueways and greenways, such as the Rapidan River in Virginia and Hiwassee River in Tennessee. When not working, you will likely find Eliot in the river kayaking or fishing. The Tennessee River Gorge Trust is the perfect example of what can happen when a small group of thoughtful citizens come together to change their community for the better. The Trust was founded in 1981 —later incorporated in 1986 — as the result of a dinner party at Adele Hampton's house on Elder Mountain. Chattanooga-area citizens gathered around her coffee table to discuss the worrisome development of the mountains bordering Chattanooga. With the help of cooperative landowners, TVA, the State of Tennessee and engaged citizens, our community has protected over 17,000 of the 27,000 acres of the Gorge! The Gorge consists of 27,000 acres carved through the Cumberland Mountains by 27 miles of the Tennessee River. It is the only large river canyon bordering a mid-size city (Chattanooga) and it is the fourth largest river canyon east of the Mississippi. The Gorge begins approximately 5 miles downstream from downtown Chattanooga (across from Williams Island) and continues 27 river miles to Hales Bar Dam Marina near Nickajack Lake. Through dozens of archaeological sites, evidence of human's presence in the Gorge dates back to 10,000 years ago.

Hunters and fishermen will like this new initiative from the Interior Department. It's expanding opportunities over 88 wildlife refuges covering more than two million acres. For more on what it takes to make this happen, the chief of the National Wildlife Refuge System at the Fish and Wildlife Service, Cynthia Martinez spoke with Federal Drive.

Today's guest is a self-described super nerd that played college ball, knew he wanted to be a biologist since childhood, and remembers falling in love with ducks when a flock of wigeons pitched into an Oklahoma farm pond he was hunting. Dr. Heath Hagy is now US Fish and Wildlife Service Waterfowl Ecologist for the National Wildlife Refuge System in the Southeastern United States. Using broad research and applied habitat experiences, Hagy works with 131 Federal Refuges, states and other entities managing waterfowl habitat resources.  How does Federal Refuge habitat management compliment surrounding land uses, and why is the landscape level considered? How important are emergent marsh habitats for waterfowl, how might managers increase invertebrate biomass? What are wetland habitat complexes, why are they extremely important to how waterfowl perceive and use geographical areas? Why is habitat quality and quantity a moving target--and might there really be duck food deficits in parts of the Mississippi Alluvial Valley? What about water versus food as limited resources? How might hunting pressure have changed things in the past couple decades, and could it affect waterfowl distribution? How important is waterfowl sanctuary? At the landscape level, how is waterfowl habitat changing across the southeastern United States? Why is the North American Model a crowning achievement in waterfowl management and what makes it possible?  Like a plate heavy with gravy-topped goodness, this episode hits the spot, addressing many of those duck-related topics that we hunters wonder aloud among ourselves in duck blinds and around tailgates nationwide.    Please subscribe, rate and review Duck Season Somewhere podcast. Share your favorite episodes with friends! Business inquiries and comments contact Ramsey Russell ramsey@getducks.com   Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells Benelli Shotguns Kanati Waterfowl Taxidermy GunDog Outdoors Mojo Outdoors Tom Beckbe Flash Back Decoys GetDucks USHuntList   It's really duck season somewhere for 365 days per year. Follow Ramsey Russell's worldwide duck hunting adventures as he chases real duck hunting experiences all year long: Instagram @ramseyrussellgetducks YouTube @GetDucks Facebook @GetDucks.com

In episode 52, Chris answers a listener question about the historical fleet of P&O Australia. We chat about the latest cruise news including Holland America Lines 148th Anniversary and Chris surprises Baz with a quick fire round of questions, usually reserved for guests of the show. BUY ME A COFFEEThis podcast is only possible thanks to our supporters, simply buying a coffee keeps us on air. It is just like shouting your mate a coffee, and we consider our listeners close mates.  https://bit.ly/2T2FYGXP&O AUstraliaPacific AriaPacific ExplorerPacific Encounter Bow ArtPacific Encounter AftPhoto credit: P&O AustraliaMARITIME HISTORY Chris discusses the current and previous ships of the P&O Australia Fleet from the early days fo Fairstar through to the latest ships to join the fleet Pacific Encounter & AdventureCRUISE NEWSHolland America Line (HAL) celebrated its 148th anniversary last Sun.The mainstays of the cruise line's business throughout the 19th century were transportation and shipping, before HAL offered its first vacation cruise in 1895. Today, the cruise line operates 10 ships that visit more than 500 ports across all seven continents.Holland America Line Introduces ‘Have It All' Premium PackageFor travellers who appreciate taking an inclusive vacation with extra amenities factored upfront into the price, Holland America Line is launching a new “Have It All” premium package that includes shore excursions, beverages, specialty dining and Wi-Fi in one base cruise fare.Available year-round on all itineraries six days or longer except Grand Voyages, “Have It All” is valued at $99 per guest, per day, for a seven-day cruise, and “Have it All” cruise fares represent incredible savings of 50% or more off the included amenities compared to purchasing them individually. “Have it All” fares will be available for booking April 21, 2021.Cruises of 6 to 9 days:One shore excursion up to $100 value or $100 off any one tour for all guests in a stateroom. Choose from among thousands of tours all over the world – from active ziplining adventures to immersive, historical explorations.Signature Beverage Package for all guests in a stateroom. Enjoy a large selection of wine, beer, spirits, cocktails, soda, coffee and more. Up to 15 drinks per day allowed, and bar service charges are included.One night award-winning specialty dining for all guests in a stateroom. Pinnacle Grill is the ultimate steakhouse at sea, while Tamarind showcases the traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan with sensuous flavors and dishes. Canaletto is a relaxed venue that serves authentic Italian cuisine. Ships with Tamarind receive one night at Tamarind or Pinnacle Grill. Ships without Tamarind receive one night at Pinnacle Grill or Canaletto.A Wi-Fi package for the first and second guests in a stateroomCruises of 10 to 20 days: All of the extras included in the package for six- to nine-day cruises, PLUS an additional $100 shore excursion or tour credit ($200 per guest total).Two nights specialty dining: ships with Tamarind receive one night at Pinnacle Grill and one night at Tamarind. Ships without Tamarind receive one night at Pinnacle Grill and one night at Canaletto.Cruises of 21+ days (excluding Grand Voyages): All of the extras included in the package for 10- to 20-day cruises, PLUS an additional $100 shore excursion or tour credit ($300 per guest total).Three nights specialty dining: Ships with Tamarind receive one night at Pinnacle Grill, one night at Tamarind and one night at Canaletto. Ships without Tamarind receive two nights at Pinnacle Grill and one night at Canaletto.Seabourn, Barbados Partnering To Launch Summer Luxury Cruises From July 2021Seabourn, together with the Government of Barbados, is developing plans to restart guest sailings on a second ship through a series of new summer voyages operating round-trip out of Bridgetown, Barbados, beginning on July 18, 2021.The brand also previously announced plans to resume guest operations in Greece aboard Seabourn Ovation starting July 3. More details on those plans are available here.Seabourn Odyssey will operate 7-day cruises from Barbados to Southern Caribbean destinations, including idyllic ports of call in Antigua, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, and St. Kitts. The voyages are open for booking on April 21. Guests can also choose a 14-day option, which combines the two distinct 7-day itineraries between Windward and Leeward Islands in the Caribbean Sea. Previously released itineraries for Fall 2021 sailings include additional port calls in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Guadeloupe, and Martinique.The itineraries include unique Seabourn experiences that become highlights of every traveller's trip. The “Caviar in the Surf” at Carambola Beach has become a perennial favourite, allowing guests to enjoy beautiful beaches while Seabourn team members wade through turquoise water to serve chilled caviar and Champagne.Silversea announces restart of cruising With demand at an all-time high, Silversea Cruises today opened sales on brand new voyages aboard Silver Moon to the Eastern Mediterranean, departing from Greece from June 18, 2021. The leading ultra-luxury cruise line unveiled a collection of nine voyages—each 10 days in length—which will sail round-trip from Piraeus (Athens), taking in many of Greece's most beautiful destinations, such as Santorini, Paros, Mykonos, and Crete, among others, as well as Haifa (Israel) and CyprusViking takes delivery of Venus Viking® announced it took delivery of Viking Venus®, the company's newest ocean ship. The delivery ceremony took place this morning when the ship was presented at Fincantieri's shipyard in Ancona, Italy. Viking Venus will now make her way to the United Kingdom, where she will be officially named on May 17, 2021 by her ceremonial godmother, Anne Diamond, the esteemed British journalist and broadcaster. The ship will then sail spring and summer departures of the England's Scenic Shores itinerary.Aida to commence cruises from Greece May 2021 Aida Cruises today announced it will offer new cruises in Greece from May 23, 2021, with 7-day cruises departing from Corfu and traveling through the Greek islands to Crete and Rhodes, as well as to Katakolon (Olympia) and Piraeus (Athens). Guests can also enjoy the amenities on board with multiple restaurants, bars, cultural activities and sports facilities, as well as organized shore excursions to explore the ports of call.Greece is one of the most popular vacation destinations for German travelers. From May 14, 2021, the Mediterranean country will reopen for tourism from May 14. Its turquoise waters, fascinating culture, unique Greek flair and more make a vacation in this country so attractive.MSC updates 2021 Summer deployment Three ships in the West Mediterranean, calling Italy and Malta  MSC Grandiosa will initially extend her current 7-night itinerary, calling at the Italian ports of Genoa, Civitavecchia for Rome, Naples, Palermo as well as Valletta, Malta. The Spanish ports of Valencia and Barcelona will be added to the ship's current itinerary as soon as these destinations confirm their availability.MSC Seaside will commence sailing on 1 May from Genoa calling at the newly introduced ports of Siracusa in Sicily and Taranto in Puglia, as well as Civitavecchia for Rome and Valetta in Malta. The ship's itinerary will then be enriched with calls to the French port of Marseille as soon as its availability is confirmed.Regarding MSC Seaside, in addition to the range of protected excursions developed for this itinerary MSC Cruises will introduce a special private beach experience in Taranto, exclusively for the ship' guests. A day out at the beach is an important part of a summer holiday so now guests on MSC Seaside will be able to relax on the sandy beach next to the clear waters of the Ionian Sea.MSC Seashore at the end of July will join the MSC Cruises fleet to become its new flagship and from 1 August until 31 October will offer 7-night cruises calling the Italian ports of Genoa, Naples and Messina, as well as Valletta in Malta, Barcelona in Spain and Marseille in France.Three ships in the East Mediterranean, calling Italy, Greece, Croatia and MontenegroMSC Cruises will deploy three ships in this ever-popular region for the upcoming summer season offering a range of different itineraries in the East Mediterranean, offering ports of embarkation in Italy from Trieste, Venice and Bari as well as Piraeus for Athens in Greece, calling at some of the most beautiful Greek Islands, Kotor in Montenegro as well as the vibrant ports of Dubrovnik and Split in Croatia.MSC Orchestra will now depart on 5 June offering guests embarkation in the Italian ports of Venice on Saturdays, Bari on Sundays and then call at the Greek Islands of Corfu, Mykonos as well as Dubrovnik in Croatia.MSC Splendida will commence sailing from 12 June with embarkation in Trieste, Italy on Saturdays and in Bari on Tuesdays, calling at Dubrovnik in Croatia, Corfu in Greece and Kotor in Montenegro.Rounding out the offering in the East Mediterranean is MSC Magnifica from 20 June with embarkation in the Italian ports of Venice on Sundays, Bari on Mondays and Piraeus for Athens on Wednesdays, then calling at the Greek Island of Mykonos and Split, Croatia.UK Domestic CruisesFrom 20 May, the line's flagship MSC Virtuosa will perform her inaugural season in the UK and offer mini cruises from Southampton calling at Portland in Dorset on the Jurassic coast. From 12 June she will operate 7-night cruises from Southampton with embarkation in Liverpool, Greenock for Glasgow and also calling at Portland and Belfast in Northern Ireland. These cruises are designed for British residents only. The sailings are open to vaccinated and non-vaccinated guests and all guests will be tested prior to embarkation.Germany, Northern EuropeIn Germany, considering the current uncertainty regarding the timing for the reopening of local ports, MSC Cruises ships must delay the start of their summer season out of the country's ports until 15 June.At the same time, MSC Cruises today announced that MSC Seaview will homeport in Kiel, Germany starting on 19 June replacing MSC Virtuosa.Additionally, MSC Preziosa is planned to depart on 21 June from Hamburg, Germany and MSC Musica on 20 June from Warnemunde, Germany, if the German ports are open.The three ships are planned to serve 7- and longer nights sailings with itineraries either to the Norwegian fjords or the Baltic capitals, as per their current schedule.MSC Cruises signs landmark agreement with Cruise Saudi to bring its ships to Saudi Arabian watersLine to deploy MSC Magnifica and MSC Virtuosa to the region, two of its most innovative and modern shipsUnder the terms of the agreement, MSC Magnifica will homeport in Jeddah, the commercial hub and one of the largest cities of Saudi Arabia, as well as the second-largest port in the Middle East with a historical centre that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.Operating seven-day Red Sea cruises from November 2021 to March 2022, the vessel will visit a selection of ports and destinations in the region and three Saudi ports including weekly calls to the port of AlWajh, the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage site of AlUla.As the Kingdom prepares to host the inaugural Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2021 on 5 December in Jeddah, MSC Magnifica guests will have the chance to follow this exciting global sports event during their trip aboard MSC Magnifica.In addition to MSC Magnifica's Red Sea sailings, MSC Cruises' flagship MSC Virtuosa will see her winter 2021 programme in the Arabian Gulf enriched with calls in the port of Dammam, visiting AlAhsa oasis, another UNESCO World Heritage site.MSC Virtuosa will call at this new exciting destination every week from December 2021 to March 2022.Move marks milestone in positioning Saudi Arabia as premier global cruise destination. The two companies expect a total of up to 170,000 guests to explore Saudi Arabia's historical, cultural and natural treasures on board the two MSC Cruises ships during the upcoming winter 2021/22 seasonHurtigruten Expeditions Donates 1% of each Alaskan Booking During Earth Week to Protect Alaskan WildlifeHurtigruten Expeditions, the world leader in exploration travel and advocate for sustainable travel, is launching a sale for Earth Week to allow more Americans to discover some of the most unique places on Earth, while its Hurtigruten Foundation will donate to support Alaskan wildland. The Foundation will donate 1% of the total cost of each Alaskan cruise sold during Earth Week to Alaska Wilderness League, which will help protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, located in Alaska's northeast corner, as well as other wildlife reserves. Comprising 19.6 million acres of wildland, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is the largest unit in the National Wildlife Refuge System.Earth Week, April 19 to 26, 2021Oceania launches Virtual Experiences Platform. Oceania Cruises, the world's leading culinary and destination-focused cruise line, has launched the Oceania Cruises Virtual Experience, an interactive platform designed to showcase the brand's unique points of difference and inspire guests to book their next cruise.Featuring a stunning collection of specially curated content and inspirational videos presented by Jason Worth, Vice President Australia and New Zealand at Oceania Cruises, users can learn about the line's award-winning culinary offering, destination-rich itineraries, fleet of small, luxurious ships and generous amenities' packages and inclusions.Cunard announces 2022 Event Voyages Music, Literature, Theatre and new Art & Design themed Transatlantic Crossing take Centre Stage on flagship Queen Mary 2, and sister ship Queen ElizabethLuxury cruise line Cunard announced its 2022 line-up of Event Voyages, offering a rich and compelling variety of themes on board flagship liner Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth. Welcoming back guest favorites including the Literature Festival at Sea in partnership with Cheltenham Literature Festival, The Times and The Sunday Times; and much-loved Anthony Inglis and the UK National Symphony of Orchestra, Cunard also introduces the line's first Art & Design Week, and Beatles and Beyond: Celebrating the Best of British. Also joining the roster is the highly anticipated London Theatre at Sea with the Olivier Awards.Here's a taster of what to expect:15-22 May 2022, Queen Mary 2: London Theatre at Sea, with the Olivier Awards: This eastbound Transatlantic Crossing, created in partnership with Society of London Theatre, will showcase Olivier award-winning talent, both on and off the stage. This Event Voyage will feature spectacular performances and an illustrious line-up of guests in conversation about their careers, as well as talks on productions, how they are produced, and the theatres themselvesHighlights include a dazzling show with the stars in the Royal Court Theatre in a production looking back at the last 45 years of the Olivier Awards; an immersive workshop about the secrets and techniques of putting on a production; and dance classes lead by world class choreographers.8-17 May 2022, Queen Elizabeth: Beatles and Beyond:  Queen Elizabeth will sail a nine-night roundtrip voyage departing Tokyo, tracing the shores of Japan and South Korea, and play host to Cunard's first ever Beatles and Beyond: Celebrating the Best of British voyage.  Through music, film, tastings and demonstrations, the sailing will celebrate beloved aspects of British culture, culminating in a spectacular finale in the Royal Court Theatre by the superb Bootleg Beatles, the world's leading Beatles tribute band.28 August-4 September 2022, Queen Mary 2: Art & Design Week: Cunard's first ever Art & Design Week is a one-of-a-kind experience that will take guests on a journey celebrating the best of design, past, present and future. Unmissable insights, expert-led masterclasses and special on board exhibitions promise to inspire the inner creative life of those who participate. In addition, guests will have an exclusive opportunity to hear from creative influencers at the forefront of design for Cunard's newest ship.25 October-1 November 2022, Queen Mary 2: Anthony Inglis and the UK's National Symphony Orchestra: A regular favorite in the Cunard calendar, the UK's National Symphony Orchestra sets sail again with Maestro Anthony Inglis leading the ensemble in memorable orchestral performances in the Royal Court Theatre.  Guests will enjoy an evening of all-American music, including Gershwin's “Rhapsody in Blue” after departing New York; and an evening celebrating the best of British music before arriving into Southampton. Charismatic conductor Inglis leads the audience, guest choir, soloists and orchestra in both concerts, as well as presenting another afternoon concert featuring Ravel's “Bolero.”“The annual Transatlantic Crossing by the National Symphony Orchestra and myself is keenly looked forward to by the musicians, as much as the guests on board the magnificent liner, Queen Mary 2,” said Anthony Inglis. “After the year we have all had, the orchestra and I have decided that we need a huge celebration in 2022, not only on behalf of the ship and her wonderful crew, but also the guests we have all missed. Therefore, I have planned some exciting surprises, which will be both hugely challenging and equally rewarding. We look forward to welcoming guests for a gigantic, seven-night party with an orchestra playing some favourite classical pieces of music, a choir made up of the guests, plus many other entertaining events as we cross the Atlantic Ocean from New York to Southampton.”3-10 December 2022, Queen Mary 2: Literature Festival at Sea in partnership with Cheltenham Literature Festival, The Times and The Sunday Times:  This extraordinary eastbound Transatlantic Crossing, crafted by the programming team of The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, will offer book lovers the opportunity to join some of the best-loved authors, historians, poets, and critics, as well as journalists from The Times and The Sunday Times, to bring the spirit of the Festival to the voyage.Ethical Cruise T-Shirts Now available branded podcast t-shirts, cruise-tees and Christmas gifts or design your own in the studio. All using organic cotton, printed using green energy and plastic-free packaging! https://bit.ly/32G7Rdh Join the show:If you have a cruise tip, burning question or want to record a cruise review get in touch with us via the website https://thebigcruisepodcast.com/join-the-show/  Guests: Chris Frame: https://bit.ly/3a4aBCg    Chris's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ChrisCunard  Peter Kollar: https://www.cruising.org.au/Home  Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2XvD7tF  Castbox: https://bit.ly/2xkGBEI  Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/2RuY04uI heart Radio:  https://ihr.fm/3mVIEUASpotify: https://spoti.fi/3caCwl8  Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2JWE8Tz  Pocket casts: https://bit.ly/2JY4J2M  Tune in: https://bit.ly/2V0Jrrs  Podcast Addict: https://bit.ly/2BF6LnE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Like clockwork every fall and winter, Sacramento Valley rice country welcomes millions of visitors. They’re here for several months, to rest and refuel, before continuing on their epic annual journey. The millions of visitors are ducks, geese, shorebirds and many other birds that make the annual trek along the Pacific Flyway. Some come from as far north as Alaska and the Arctic and travel as far south as Chile and Argentina. A fantastic way to view our seasonal visitors are wildlife refuges, and there are several outstanding options in the Sacramento Valley. “The National Wildlife Refuge System in our country is the greatest network of protected lands anywhere in the world, if you care about wildlife, fisheries and habitat conservation,” remarked Paul Souza, Regional Director of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, California Great Basin. “In California, Nevada and the Upper Klamath Basin of Oregon, we care deeply about migratory birds. This is the heart of the Pacific Flyway. Coming through in the fall, we have a tremendous number of birds. Millions and millions of birds rely on the refuge complex.”  “Be prepared to be amazed,” said Curt McCasland, Refuge Manager with the Sacramento National Refuge Wildlife Complex. “In the Sacramento Valley, from November through January, this is an incredible place, where millions of birds stack into this area, visiting the national wildlife refuges, state wildlife areas, but also the ricelands in between those. Everything from clouds of geese to the sheer noisiness of these areas. It’s absolutely amazing!”  Photographer Sue Graue has made countless trips to local wildlife refuges, providing an awesome array of photos and building great memories. Especially during a year as challenging as 2020, she encourages people to take in the vibrant beauty at local refuges. “It takes you away from the mundane parts of your daily challenges,” she said. “There are no challenges here. You can surrender to the moment.” Sacramento Valley rice fields provide vital wildlife habitat to nearly 230 wildlife species. After harvest, a shallow amount of water is added to the fields to break down rice straw. This coincides with the Pacific Flyway migration, providing key habitat to millions of birds. Rice fields provide more than 60 percent of the fall and winter diet for the several million ducks and geese visiting the Central Valley every fall and winter.

A Triple Crown thru-hiker doesn’t know what he’s got ’til it’s gone. A plus-size mountaineer fights her inner monologue and embraces her badassery. A backcountry drag queen uses the power of femininity for social change.This episode is sponsored by, the National Forest Foundation for #NationalForestWeek, June 13th-19th. National Forest Week is an annual celebration of our incredible National Forest System and all that it offers. Find all information, resources, events and a photo contest at nationalforestweek.org. This year’s theme is “Discover Unforgettable Experiences.” What are your favorite outdoor memories and traditions? What is your personal connection to National Forests and public lands? Midway through the episode, I do a mini interview with El Yunque National Forest supervisor, Keenan Adams.See full show notes at jennybruso.com/podcastMegan Banker (she/her) is a rock climber and mountaineer living in Portland, OR. At her day job, she is a Health At Every Size (HAES) chiropractor ig: @pdxoutdoorchiroPattie Gonia (she/her) is an environmental advocate, outdoor community leader, and backpacking drag queen––and yes, Pattie really hikes in heels. ig: @pattiegoniaWill “Akuna” Robinson (he/him) is an army vet who has used thru-hiking as a tool to manage PTSD. He is the first known Black man to earn the Triple Crown of hiking, ig: @akunahikesKeenan Adams (he/him) has worked all over the U.S. for the National Wildlife Refuge System, Department Of the Interior and National Forest Systems. ig: @keenan_the_nomadSustain the podcast – Join my Patreon!

What happens when you take an article entitled “The Message of Conservation Failed” and mix it with the North American Conservation Model, Space X, the National Wildlife Refuge System, and Fisheries Management, while at the same time giving the funny host the week off and letting the other one take a break to (airquotes) “get married” . . . This. Go to Patreon and become a friend of the show OFFICIALLY here! E-mail Fletcher with Hallett Insurance to get your quote! Check out Two Fish Creative for your software solutions Follow Cast and Blast Florida: Instagram – Twitter – Facebook – Website Want to experience a world class duck hunt or fishing charter? E-mail Travis to book today . . . Connect with the gang on social media: Travis Thompson – @travisthompson – Instagram – Twitter – Facebook Nathan Henderson – @nhenderson77 – Instagram – Twitter – Facebook Emily Thompson – @lovedaloca – Instagram

Refuge Radio is a podcast about the National Wildlife Refuge Association and the nation’s National Wildlife Refuge System, spanning more than 850 million acres of land and water as part of a growing network of 568 refuges — at least one in every state. Today we are speaking with Steve Jester. Steve is the Executive Director for Partners for Conservation (PFC). Prior to joining PFC, Steve was the Executive Director of the Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust. Steve was on the staff of The Nature Conservancy for almost a decade leading community-based conservation projects first in Texas and later in Wyoming. Before joining The Nature Conservancy, he spent a decade working with state fish and wildlife agencies in Florida and Texas. Steve is a sixth-generation Texan who has worked with private landowners throughout his career and has come to appreciate their critical importance in conserving working landscapes that provide for both people and nature in the United States. https://www.partnersforconservation.org/

In Episode 26 of We Are Rivers, we take a deeper look at the National Wildlife Refuge System and why it is so important to health of America’s natural resources. We explore the many benefits that the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge provide for human and natural communities in coastal South Carolina and why the minor boundary modification of Refuge was critical in ensuring that these benefits are preserved for future generations. Tune in today! Photo Credit: Waccamaw River, Mac Stone

Bob meets Ranger Toni at the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. She talks about the amazing system of wildlife refuges that are all over the United States. Related: Through the Eyes of Nature Guys (http://natureguys.org/travel/) Our sources for this episode include: J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge https://www.fws.gov/refuge/jn_ding_darling/ National Wildlife Refuge System https://www.fws.gov/refuges/

Refuge Radio is a podcast about the National Wildlife Refuge Association and the nation’s National Wildlife Refuge System, spanning more than 850 million acres of land and water as part of a growing network of 567 refuges — at least one in every state. Today we are speaking with the National Wildlife Refuge Association’s Acting Vice President, Government Affairs, Caroline Brouwer. In her work with the National Wildlife Refuge Association, Caroline advance federal conservation policies focusing on federal conservation funding and legislation affecting the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Thankfully - birders only need one thing to be successful - they need birds. And finding birds is easy - if you know where to look. I live in the United States and here, we have a wonderful National Park System as well as a superb National Wildlife Refuge System where you can find hundreds of different bird species in a given year. No matter where you live, chances are good that you live near a park, a zoo, a bird rescue center or an aviary. All these places are great for birding. I have my own personal favorites and I'd like to share two with you now. My top spot for birding is Alaska. I like to go in late Winter because bald eagles are abundant in the Cook Inlet. Summers there bring the chance to see tens of thousands of kittiwakes in the same location. If you base out of Homer, AK you are nearby some of the best birding in the world. There's a great shorebird festival in Homer the first week of May. My second favorite place for birding is the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, near Socorro, NM. Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1939 to provide a critical stopover for migrating waterfowl. The refuge is well known for the tens of thousands of cranes, geese, and ducks who winter here each year. During spring and fall migration, the 57,331-acre refuge is a spot to rest and refuel for many birds as they follow the Rio Grande through the woodlands which hug the riverbanks, called bosque. And if neither of these places are within your reach, try your own backyard. Properly set up with food, water and cover it can be a great place to bird - year after year. Next week, I'm going to talk about the fastest animal in the world - you won't want to miss it. I hope you've enjoyed this episode of Avian Beauty. Thanks for listening. Be sure to visit avianbeauty.com for more bird inspiration and information and please consider subscribing (for free) to our blog and podcast. I’m Scott Bourne. Happy birding.

We are talking with Rick Huffines ED of the Tennessee River Gorge Trust. Rick joined the Tennessee River Gorge Trust on January 7, 2013; after retiring from a 26-year career of public service with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, where he has worked throughout the Southeast in five different states in various capacities. Most recently, Rick served as the Deputy Regional Chief of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The Tennessee River Gorge consists of 27,000 acres carved through the Cumberland Mountains by 27 miles of the Tennessee River. It is the only large river canyon bordering a mid-size city (Chattanooga) and it is the fourth largest river canyon east of the Mississippi. Thanks for listening! Find all our episodes at dayfirepodcast.com This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

Landscape-scale conservation enables conservation professionals to understand the biological and social factors at work across a broad range of traditional geopolitical boundaries. With a solid understanding of these factors comes the ability to make sound management decisions based on desired future conditions. However, even the most informed decisions rely on the support of local stakeholders to become successful on the ground. Join host Brad Milley from the National Wildlife Refuge System and Dr. Catherine Doyle-Capitman as they discuss the different scales at which conservation occurs and the importance of integrating local stakeholder participation and social data into collaborative landscape conservation planning.

The guest is Susan Snider, president of Friends of Norwalk Islands, a new nonprofit group whose mission it is protect and educate people about the Norwalk Islands. Snider is also the former director of Norwalk Seaport Association. Snider attended the annual conference of National Wildlife Refuge System. 

Michael Lusk, an 18-year veteran of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the new project leader of Okefenokee and Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuges. He begins his new duties on September 22, 2013. “Michael has worked for the National Wildlife Refuge System during most of his Service career,” said David Viker, Chief of the Services Southeast National Wildlife Refuge System. “He has successfully dealt with many controversial projects throughout the country, including managing manatees at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Complex in Florida and border issues at Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge in Arizona. His varied experiences prepared him for the challenge of managing the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Complex, our largest in the eastern United States.” In his previous position, Lusk managed the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Complex in central Florida. As manager, he facilitated the purchase of Three Sisters Springs, part of the Kings Bay manatee sanctuary, and coordinated with local businesses and organizations to create a management plan. Lusk and his staff also educated visitors about the proper way to interact with manatees in Kings Bay through a Manatee Manners video and kiosks at each entrance to Kings Bay. In cooperation with the Tampa Bay Refuge Friends Group, Lusk also led an ongoing Save the Egmont Key initiative supported by more than 20 local groups. Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge is a small, barrier island, situated at the entrance to Tampa Bay, which is threatened by erosion.