Added Funding Secured for Refuge Land Purchases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Frank A. LoBiondo (R-2nd), a member of the Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus, has secured $500,000 for further land acquisition at the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, according to a release. The land to be acquired is located in Middle Township near Goshen.
“One of the unique characteristics of southern New Jersey is our open spaces, and I continue to strongly support efforts to preserve and protect our wildlife refuges,” said LoBiondo. “I am pleased that additional land can now be acquired in Cape May County in our ongoing efforts to enhance this area for both local residents and visitors while protecting the habitats of the native wildlife.”
“This news is fantastic!” stated Howard Schlagel, manager of Cape May National Wildlife Refuge in the release. “Congressman LoBiondo, in his efforts to support the National Wildlife Refuge System, both locally and nationally, is providing a tremendous service to the public, both now and for the future.”
LoBiondo has secured $6.35 million since FY 1998 for the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge. Earlier this year, he joined with Howard Schlagel and the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge staff for the ribbon-cutting of the Two Mile Beach Unit Visitor Contact Station and Beach Habitat Restoration Project.
In November, LoBiondo joined with the New Jersey Audubon Society at the Edwin B. Forsythe Wildlife Refuge in Atlantic County to recognize South Jersey’s wildlife refuges as “Important Bird Area,” which provide essential habitat for species of migrating, breeding or wintering birds in the state.
There are 122 locations across New Jersey chosen by the New Jersey Audubon Society. LoBiondo has secured $7.35 million for the expansion and improvement of the Forsythe Refuge since FY 1998.
Originally contained within the Fiscal Year 2008 Interior Appropriations bill approved in June, the final funding was included in the House-Senate spending bill for the remaining 11 of 12 annual appropriations that were combined this week in an omnibus package.
Congress is expected to pass the massive spending bill as soon as today, sending the measure to President Bush for his signature.