I received an email from Nancy Haugen, the Sherburne Refuge Visitor Services coordinator with this information:

Refuge Association Launches 4th Annual Refuge Photo Contest

Washington, DC – The National Wildlife Refuge Association (NWRA) announces its 4th annual digital photo contest showcasing America’s national wildlife refuges. Entries for the 2009 Refuge Photo Contest can be submitted until July 15, 2009 with results to be announced in October 2009 in connection with Refuge Week.

“Images are critical to telling the Refuge System story,” said Evan Hirsche, president of NWRA. “We know that there are terrific amateur and professional photographers capturing images throughout the System. This is an opportunity for avid photographers to show their work to a broader audience and to help capture the essence of our remarkable wildlife refuges.”

The National Wildlife Refuge System, comprised of 549 refuges throughout the nation, protects both rare and common types of habitat – everything from southwest desert to arctic tundra. Images submitted for the photo contest can be of birds, mammals, insects, fish, other animals, plants, people, or simply shots of refuge scenery.

This year, ATP Oil and Gas, Inc. has generously donated the $5,000 first place cash prize. Other prizes include two round trip tickets courtesy of Southwest Airlines, and offerings from Barbara’s Bakery, Wild Bird Centers of America and Houghton Mifflin.

In addition, the winners’ images will be highlighted on NWRA’s website and future publications. At least 200 images will be selected for inclusion in the NWRA Refuge Image Library and every photographer submitting an entry will receive a complimentary one-year membership in the National Wildlife Refuge Association.

For photo contest details, requirements, and procedures, please visit: http://www.refugeassociation.org/contest/ContestHome.html.