[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 17 (Thursday, January 30, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1807-S1808]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING DR. JAMES MONTGOMERY OF ROSWELL, NM, AND THE NATIONAL 
                         WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM

 Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I rise before you today not only 
to recognize the dedication and hard work of a fellow New Mexican, but 
to celebrate a century of conservation by the National Wildlife Refuge 
System.
  On February 1 of this year, the man I honor today, Dr. James 
Montgomery of Roswell, NM, will receive the 2003 Refuge Volunteer of 
the Year award offered by the National Wildlife Refuge Association. 
This award is given to an individual who displays outstanding 
dedication to the preservation and advancement of the national refuge 
system and its endeavors to protect the beauty of the American 
landscape.
  Dr. Montgomery has spent the last 15 years and given more than 10,000 
hours of service protecting and improving the Bitter Lake National 
Wildlife Refuge in Roswell. He has done this for no compensation, 
motivated only by his concern and appreciation of the refuge. During 
his work, Dr. Montgomery played an integral role in many important 
projects, including: spearheading efforts to maintain and establish 
species on the refuge; providing support to community outreach and 
events service; and assisting refuge staff in their budget process. Dr. 
Montgomery also holds the position of treasurer for the

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Friends of Bitter Lake nonprofit organization. Clearly his work on 
behalf of the refuge sustains the accessibility and natural beauty of 
one of New Mexico's treasures.
  Bitter Lake is one of the 540 sites comprising the National Wildlife 
Refuge System and one of seven in New Mexico, Bitter Lake, Bosque del 
Apache, Grulla, Las Vegas, Maxwell, San Andres, and Sevillita. On these 
540 refuges, 30,000 hard-working men and women annually donate more 
than 1 million hours of their time to protect, maintain, and improve 
our Nation's environmental resources. Given the impressive number of 
individuals worthy of praise, it gives me great pride as a New Mexican 
that Dr. James Montgomery has been chosen for this honor.
  President Bush, in his State of the Union Address, spoke of building 
a more compassionate America; an America energized by individuals such 
as Dr. Montgomery who dedicate great portions of their lives to the 
generous spirit that has made this country great. Whether that spirit 
be embodied by volunteers who assist those in need, or by those who 
work to ensure that our natural wonders are preserved, all are 
necessary and vital to our existence as Americans.
  Furthermore, it wouldn't do to discuss Dr. Montgomery without 
mentioning the program for which he has tirelessly worked. This March 
we celebrate a milestone in American wildlife conservation: the 100th 
Anniversary of the National Wildlife Refuge System. This momentous 
occasion is worthy of recognition because over the past century, normal 
citizens, along with the refuge system, have been at the forefront in 
protecting the unique beauty of the American landscape.
  The National Wildlife Refuge System protects a wide range of wildlife 
and landscapes throughout the country. In particular, the refuges in 
the Southwest are necessary to secure the well being and survival of 
migratory birds, including the bald eagle, which make the area their 
home during the fall and winter months. The system concentrates also on 
scientific endeavors that span such fields as habitat alteration and 
biodiversity research. These efforts coincide with maintaining places 
of unspoiled natural beauty that can be enjoyed by all Americans.
  New Mexico is privileged to have some of the most beautiful natural 
wonders within this great Nation. Wildlife refuges such as Bitter Lake 
in Roswell and Bosque del Apache in Socorro are perfect examples of the 
100 years of success by the refuge system in ensuring the treasures of 
our environment are preserved and enjoyed for generations. Of course, 
the success would not be as great without the hard work, passion, and 
sacrifice of those dedicated volunteers like Dr. James Montgomery.
  To that end I salute the National Wildlife Refuge System for its many 
successes and Dr. James Montgomery for embodying the great spirit of 
charity and volunteerism that America cherishes.

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