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Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge Gets Permission to Expand

Clarks River NWR Expansion Map
U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Clarks River NWR Expansion Map

Congress has authorized West Kentucky’s Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge to expand by more than 34,000 acres. The expansion would leave the refuge about four times larger than its current size. Refuge Manager Michael Johnson says the new land would give the refuge a chance for major improvements. He says,

“We can provide better recreational opportunities, we can do a better job protecting and managing the wildlife that’s in this area. And we have this chance with this plan, which is kind of what I see as a one shot deal to get things, what I call, ‘Right.’”

Johnson says the expansion would take several years to complete. He says despite the fears of some people in the expansion area, property will only be acquired from willing sellers. Johnson says the expansion project's final cost would depend on who decides to sell property to the refuge.

Shelly Baskin works in MSU's Office of Regional Outreach and is a graduate student in Occupational Safety and Health. A roustabout from Memphis, Tennessee, Shelly first found his way into WKMS through the newsroom back in 2011 through luck, charm and force of will. Though he left news for another position, he still enjoys working on independent radio projects and volunteering for the station. He’s an avid disc golfer and occasional real golfer and is terrible at both. A lover of all things musical, Shelly is always ready to hear something new and unique.
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