NEW BOOK RELEASE

DREAM HUNTER: A National Wildlife Refuge Manager's Memoir

Anyone who enjoys exploring the 12,000 acres of open space along the Minnesota River in the Twin Cities owes a debt of gratitude to Minnesotan Ed Crozier.  This charmed place is known officially as the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.  Ed was one of the visionaries who worked tirelessly in the early 1970s to establish this refuge, now as important for people as it is for wildlife.  In 1979, Ed became the first manager of this urban treasure, a position he held until 1988.

     Dream Hunter by Ed Crozier is a wonderful collection of memoirs recounting the author’s nearly 50 year experience with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the federal agency charged with stewardship of our natural heritage.  The book’s 18 chapters (379 pages) read like individual short stories, each devoted to a different experience in the author’s rich and colorful career.  Most of the stories detail his victories and frustrations in stewardship battles for National Wildlife Refuges along the upper Mississippi River and in North Dakota. 

     Hunters will revel in the stories of hunting dogs interspersed with the excitement of the hunt for ducks and grouse; each makes for great fireplace reading on a winter day.  One of the chapters is devoted to the trials and tribulations (and occasional fun) involved with purchasing and improving a grouse hunting camp in Pine County, Minnesota.

     Environmental activists will find incredible insight into the political challenges of preserving open space in an urban setting.  The author’s knowledge, experience, and deep respect for the natural world is evident throughout this book.  His perspective is especially important as we begin to understand the importance of healthy wetlands in maintaining the quality of the lakes and rivers which are the essence of the “land of sky blue water”. 

    Especially fascinating is the chapter devoted to the battle to establish the 12,000 acre Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge (Ed’s dream).  As with all meaningful accomplishments, this one was not easy.  A cadre of familiar pillars of Minnesota public service (Mondale, Humphrey, Anderson, and Oberstar) all joined forces to pass the legislation.  Ed was the “field general”. 

  No matter your interest in the natural heritage of Minnesota and the Midwest you will be entertained, challenged, and inspired by this important book.

To purchase Dream Hunter,

please mail a check for $27.15 ($22.95 + $4.20 shipping and handling) to:

Friends of the Minnesota Valley

P.O. Box 20697

Bloomington, MN  55420

**Please include your full name and return mailing address, if not on your check

so that we may mail your copy directly to you**