Porter Goss: “I rise today to commend the outstanding work of Lou Hinds, who has managed the J.N. ``Ding'' Darling National Wildlife…”

“I rise today to commend the outstanding work of Lou Hinds, who has managed the J.N. ``Ding'' Darling National Wildlife Refuge on my home Island of Sanibel for the last 7 years. It came as no surprise when I heard that Lou was recently named ``Refuge Manager of the Year'' by the National Wildlife Refuge Association. He will receive his award in Washington on Monday, March 17. Throughout his service, Lou has taken a partnership approach to managing the refuge, involving local students, residents, tourists and community leaders. The community outreach program under Lou's direction is one of the most innovative in the country and many other refuges are working to replicate it. The involvement of the community has been crucial to the success of the refuge. Realizing that the current visitor's center cannot adequately meet demand, refuge volunteers are spearheading a drive to improve the visitor's center through the use of private funds. The refuge also works extensively with local students. Most notably, the Junior Naturalist Program, an educational partnership with an elementary school adjacent to the refuge, has been a terrific success. This community-oriented approach has benefitted the refuge in terms of more space, equipment, and volunteers, but more important, it has allowed the refuge to serve as an educational resource for residents of southwest Florida and our many visitors from around the world.”