Sen. Tina Smith visits Prairie Wetlands Learning Center in Fergus Falls

Detroit Lakes, Minn. (KDLM) – Senator Tina Smith toured the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center (PWLC) in Fergus Falls on Tuesday.

Smith’s visit was marked by a tour of the center and active participation in the annual monarch butterfly tagging event, an initiative that tracks the journey and challenges faced by butterflies.

Smith engaged in discussions that emphasized the monarch butterfly’s unique classification as a “candidate for listing” under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

Joined by Joanne Ryan, Director of the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center, and Neil Powers, Fergus Falls Wetland Management District Project Leader, Smith immersed herself in the center’s educational outreach programs and seemed interested in the center’s environmental conservation efforts.

Smith also emphasized the Great American Outdoors Act, a piece of legislation she helped enact in 2020.

This law addresses the critical funding needs of the nation’s public lands, national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and recreational areas.

The Prairie Wetlands Learning Center was able to secure $3 million in funding that was used repairs and enhancements due to her bill.

The improvements included buildings renovations, parking lots maintenance, and construction of service roads and trails.

Story by Zakk Daniels / KBRF