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Dr. Todd Paddock, a Winona resident and former professor in the Sociology Department at Winona State University, was invited to testify before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies in Washington, D.C. for a scheduled Public Witness Day.
Dr. Paddock is also the current President of the Friends of the Refuge Headwaters, a citizen based non-profit organization working to support the Winona District of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. “Citizen involvement is one of the great features of the Upper Mississippi River Refuge. Volunteer ‘Friends’ groups like the Friends of the Refuge Headwaters are a good example. We help the staff with work on the Refuge, sponsor public outings for youth and adults, sponsor outings, and advocate on behalf of the Refuge” said Paddock.
Paddock was encouraged to testify by the National Wildlife Refuge Association, a national organization who mobilizes citizens to build a comprehensive grassroots network of refuge Friends group throughout the country.
Paddock noted that “People in this area truly care about the Upper Mississippi River Refuge, because the river is part of our regional heritage. In the same way, the century-old National Wildlife Refuge System is part of our national heritage. It’s up to us to continue that commitment.”
Dr Paddock is scheduled to testify on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. (Eastern time).
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