III 109th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 255 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES September 28, 2005 Mrs. Lincoln (for herself and Mr. Cochran) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works RESOLUTION Recognizing the achievements of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Waterfowl Population Survey.

Whereas every spring and summer teams of United States Fish and Wildlife Service pilot-biologists take to the skies to survey North America’s waterfowl breeding grounds flying more than 80,000 miles a year, crisscrossing the country just above the treetops and open fields, they and observers on the ground record the number of ducks, geese, and swans and assess the quality and quantity of water-fowl breeding habitats; Whereas the pilot biologists operate from the wide open bays and wetlands of the eastern shores of North America to some of the most remote regions of Canada and Alaska, and are documenting an important part of our wildlife heritage; Whereas the Waterfowl Population Survey, operated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2005, is featured on the 2005–2006 Duck Stamp, and has been recognized by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation for its contribution to waterfowl hunting; Whereas the Waterfowl Population Survey Program has evolved into the largest and most reliable wildlife survey effort in the world; Whereas for more than 50 years cooperative waterfowl surveys have been performed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Canadian Wildlife Service, State and provincial biologists, and nongovernmental partners; and Whereas survey results determine the status of North America’s waterfowl populations, play an important role in setting annual waterfowl hunting regulations, and help guide the decisions of waterfowl managers throughout North America: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)recognizes the achievements and contributions of the Waterfowl Population Survey Program; (2)expresses strong support for the continued success of the Waterfowl Population Survey Program; (3)encourages the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in its efforts to broaden understanding and public participation in the Waterfowl Population Survey Program by increasing partnerships to continue growth and development of the Survey; and (4)reaffirms its commitment to the Waterfowl Population Survey Program and the conservation of the rich natural heritage of the United States.