[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 41 (Thursday, March 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E477]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMEMORATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE 
                                 SYSTEM

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON KIND

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 13, 2003

  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, one hundred years ago, President Theodore 
Roosevelt displayed historic vision and took a bold step forward in his 
quest to protect our Nation's natural wonders. He decided that the 
plight of one group of birds on a scant five acres in Florida was 
important enough to warrant the protection of the Federal government. 
Roosevelt made this decision on March 14, 1903, continuing his 
commitment to protect American public lands. In creating a National 
Wildlife Refuge, however, Roosevelt brought the American public on a 
great ideological departure from the principles underlying our National 
Park System: While those lands are set aside for the enjoyment and 
appreciation of people, wildlife refuges are for the sole benefit of 
wildlife. This ideological leap was truly historic, and I commend 
President Roosevelt and celebrate his enduring legacy.
  Since the first refuge was established in our State in 1912, the 
Wisconsin refuge system has become an integral part of life for our 
citizens. Our five wildlife refuges and two wetlands management 
districts attract nearly two million visitors each year. They provide 
critical habitat for our State's world-renowned wildlife resources, as 
well as opportunities for recreation and groundbreaking research.
  Horicon Marsh, covering 32,000 acres, is the largest fresh water 
cattail marsh in the United States and is designated as a ``wetland of 
national importance.'' Tremplealeau, The Upper Mississippi River, and 
Horicon National Wildlife Refuges are designated as ``globally 
important bird areas.'' And Necedah National Wildlife Refuge serves as 
the summer home for research experiments with the migration of highly 
endangered whooping cranes.
  I wonder whether the President knew what he was setting in motion 
when he set aside those five seemingly inconsequential acres. Could he 
possibly have dreamed that such humble beginnings would flourish into 
the grand national wildlife refuge system that we boast today? That 
system now consists of more than 575 individual units and encompasses 
over 95 million acres. Refuges can be found in every State in the 
Union, protecting more than 250 threatened or endangered plants and 
animals, including such beloved and symbolic species as the manatee, 
bald eagle, and California jewelflower. These figures far exceed any 
expectations that President Roosevelt may have had. Our refuge system 
is truly a triumph of American vision and commitment to responsible 
stewardship of our unparalleled natural heritage.
  I am proud to support the National Fish and Wildlife Service in its 
vital mission and grateful to be able to pass this legacy on to future 
generations of Americans.

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