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View
more photos from the Groundbreaking Ceremony
Groundbreaking ceremonies were held May 28, 2002
for the new visitor/education facility at the
White River National Wildlife Refuge.
Speakers included the Mayor of St Charles, Robert
Patrick, Larry Mallard, Superintendent of the
Refuge, Sam Hamilton, Southeast Regional Director
for the National Refuge System, Secretary of State
Sharon Priest, Congressman Marion Berry, and Senator
Blanche Lincoln.
2003 marks the centennial of the National Wildlife
Refuge System, along with the bicentennial of
the Louisiana Purchase. The new visitor center
will be an integral part of the Louisiana Purchase
commemoration activities planned for next year.
"White River National Wildlife Refuge is
one of the few places left in Arkansas where you
can experience what the Native Americans, early
explorers and early settlers experienced,"
said Secretary Priest. "You can see the diverse
wildlife, experience the power of the river and
be awed by the size of the bald cypress trees."
In her keynote speech, Sen. Lincoln stated that
the "White River Refuge is a national treasure"
and the planned visitor's center will allow this
"treasure in our back yard to be shared with
the rest of the world."
The planned visitors center will open in fall
2003. For more information regarding the White
River National Wildlife Refuge and their plans
for the Louisiana Purchase Bicentennial, contact
Ray Paterra, 870-946-1468.
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