[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 324 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

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116th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 324

  Designating September 29, 2019, as ``National Urban Wildlife Refuge 
                                 Day''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           September 24, 2019

   Mr. Gardner (for himself and Mr. Bennet) submitted the following 
    resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
  Designating September 29, 2019, as ``National Urban Wildlife Refuge 
                                 Day''.

Whereas over 80 percent of people in the United States live in or near cities, 
        which typically have limited opportunities for residents to access 
        nature and experience outdoor recreation;
Whereas the National Wildlife Refuge System under the United States Fish and 
        Wildlife Service manages 567 national wildlife refuges that constitute a 
        national network of land and water managed for the conservation of fish, 
        wildlife, and plants in the United States;
Whereas national wildlife refuges provide opportunities for people to discover 
        and appreciate nature;
Whereas there is a refuge located within a 1-hour drive of every metropolitan 
        area in the United States;
Whereas the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program under the United States Fish and 
        Wildlife Service--

    (1) focuses on introducing people living in densely populated areas to 
the more than 100 national wildlife refuges near urban areas; and

    (2) promotes wildlife conservation and the enjoyment of hunting, 
fishing, and other wildlife-dependent recreational activities close to 
where people live;

Whereas the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program focuses on public-private 
        partnerships--

    (1) to improve wildlife conservation; and

    (2) to promote access to recreation on and off national wildlife 
refuges, including recreational activities such as hunting and fishing; and

Whereas by exploring community-centered approaches to address local needs, 
        engaging the next generation of anglers and hunters, and providing 
        infrastructure and safe access, the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program 
        helps local organizations, cities, and towns across the United States 
        engage in conservation activities: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) designates September 29, 2019, as ``National Urban 
        Wildlife Refuge Day'';
            (2) encourages the United States Fish and Wildlife Service 
        to increase access to outdoor recreational opportunities for 
        urban communities; and
            (3) encourages the people of the United States to visit and 
        experience the more than 100 urban national wildlife refuges of 
        the United States.
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