Vernon, Wantage get bulk of Wallkill River Wildlife Refuge payments

SUSSEX COUNTY-Congressman Scott Garrett joined Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge Manager Edward Henry in presenting almost $75,000 to the townships of Veron, Wantage, and Hardyston. "Although the federal government does not pay property tax, the refuge uses funds generated throughout the National Wildlife Refuge System to provide a financial contribution to our local communities," said Henry. " This revenue sharing program is an example of federal money put to good use," said Garrett. "Revenue sharing really is a win-win for local townships and the refuge. Since the refuge requires only limited town services, the funds provide direct benefits for local residents. The payments are one more way Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge adds to the quality of life in Sussex and Orange counties," said Henry. "And working together, the townships can work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to double this money through incentives such as the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. "In addition, the refuge is a home for wildlife and natural habitats, it preserves open space and provides some of the area's best outdoor recreation," he added. While Federal lands are tax exempt, the USFWS annually shares revenues with host municipalities. Distributed funds are calculated based on a percentage of fair market value. The refuge is about 5,000 acres, with the majority of the acreage in Vernon and Wantage. Wallkill River NWR was established by Congress in 1990 and acquired its first piece of property in 1992. This is the eleventh year the refuge has provided payments to the local municipalities. Towns receiving revenues and the amounts received were: Vernon - $51,552 Wantage - $19,515 Hardyston - $1,583 Warwick, N.Y. - $1,450 Total revenues distributed to municipalities within the Wallkill River NWR boundary since 1995 are $623,711. Fiscal Year 2004 funds totaled $73,933. Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge is one of more than 540 refuges in the country. The National Wildlife Refuge System's mission is "to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and where appropriate', restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans." President Theodore Roosevelt founded the National Wildlife Refuge System in 1903.