[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 145 (Tuesday, November 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1990]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO MONTE VISTA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

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                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 12, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this moment to pay 
tribute to the first National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado. The Monte 
Vista National Wildlife Refuge, established in the San Luis Valley, is 
an example of how much Coloradans value their lands and wildlife. As 
the refuge celebrates its golden anniversary, it is my honor to pay 
tribute to it before this body of Congress and this nation.
  Established in June 1952, the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge 
created a safe haven for waterfowl and migratory birds to coexist 
alongside nearby agricultural communities. The snowy and cattle egrets, 
American bitterns, white-faced ibis, and black crowned night herons 
have all found a home in the refuge. Its habitat along the Spring Creek 
currently boasts some of their largest Colorado nesting populations. 
The refuge's wetlands witnessed the re-introduction of Canada geese 
into the San Luis Valley and helped the Aleutian Canada goose recover 
from its endangered species status.
  As an important habitat for so many species, the Monte Vista National 
Wildlife Refuge lives up to its designation as a land of many uses. 
Besides alleviating the wildlife impact on local agriculture, the 
refuge boasts the longest running duck nesting density study in North 
America, as well as important education and observation facilities. The 
refuge provides a place to hunt and fish, and holds an annual fishing 
event for children, as well as a crane festival each April.
  To celebrate its 50 years, the refuge marked the anniversary year by 
opening three new viewing pullouts along Colorado Highway 15. When 
completed, the pullouts will include information kiosks, viewing 
scopes, and interpretive signs. It has taken 15 years of staff and 
local support to obtain the funds for the improvements with 20% of the 
$190,000 raised locally. Such success is a testament to the local 
leadership, so it is fitting that former refuge manager, Charles 
``Pete'' Bryant was also recognized as a conservation pioneer and for 
his immeasurable service to the refuge. -Mr. Speaker it is my privilege 
to rise today to honor the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge. It 
stands as a model of 50 years of cooperation between the public's many 
interests, integrating the refuge seamlessly into the agricultural 
community around it. The refuge and its partners have shown great 
dedication to conserving wildlife habitat and I am honored to extend 
this recognition to them for all they have accomplished.

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