[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 62 (Tuesday, April 29, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H3425-H3428]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING ACHIEVEMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE 
SYSTEM ON CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY AND EXPRESSING STRONG SUPPORT FOR ITS 
                           CONTINUED SUCCESS

  Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 173) recognizing the achievements and contributions 
of the National Wildlife Refuge System on the occasion of its 
centennial anniversary and expressing strong support for the continued 
success of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 173

       Whereas the National Wildlife Refuge System, operated by 
     the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, marked its 
     centennial anniversary on March 14, 2003;
       Whereas President Theodore Roosevelt stated in 1903 that 
     ``Wild beasts and birds are by right not the property merely 
     of the people who are alive today, but the property of 
     unknown generations, whose belongings we have no right to 
     squander.'';
       Whereas the vision of conserving wildlife embraced by 
     President Roosevelt was begun with the plants and animals 
     located on Pelican Island off the East Coast of Florida, and

[[Page H3426]]

     has since flourished across the United States and its 
     territories and possessions, allowing for the preservation of 
     an overwhelmingly vast array of flora and fauna;
       Whereas the National Wildlife Refuge System is composed of 
     540 refuges encompassing nearly 95 million acres, hosts 35 
     million visitors annually, and benefits from the selfless 
     efforts of 30,000 volunteers; and
       Whereas the National Wildlife Refuge System has established 
     refuges in every State in the United States, many of which 
     are reachable within an hour's drive of almost every major 
     city: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes the achievements and contributions of the 
     National Wildlife Refuge System on the occasion of its 
     centennial anniversary;
       (2) expresses strong support for the continued success of 
     the National Wildlife Refuge System;
       (3) encourages the United States Fish and Wildlife Service 
     in its efforts to broaden understanding and appreciation for 
     the National Wildlife Refuge System by increasing 
     partnerships on behalf of the refuge system to better manage 
     and monitor wildlife and by continuing its support of 
     wildlife dependent recreational activities as embodied in the 
     Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (Public Law 105-57); 
     and
       (4) reaffirms its commitment to the National Wildlife 
     Refuge System and the conservation of the rich natural 
     heritage of the United States.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Arizona (Mr. Renzi) and the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. 
Faleomavaega) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi).
  Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this resolution was introduced by our colleagues, the 
gentlemen from Florida, Mr. Boyd and Mr. Putnam. It celebrates the 
100th anniversary of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
  This system of public lands had its humble origins in Sebastian, 
Florida when in 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt set aside a 5-acre 
strip of swampland on Pelican Island. Since that time, the system has 
grown to some 540 units that provide habitat for hundreds of wildlife 
species and recreational opportunities for millions of Americans.
  As a member of the Committee on Resources, I recognize the value of 
these lands and their importance to the 39 million people who visit a 
refuge each year to hunt, fish, observe wildlife, photograph them, and 
engage in conservation education.
  It is appropriate that we recognize the refuge system at this 
important milestone, and I congratulate the Bush administration for 
requesting the highest level of funding ever for the National Wildlife 
Refuge System for the upcoming fiscal year. The American people deserve 
the finest refuge system, and I am committed to the revitalization of 
this system and to reduce the unacceptable maintenance backlogs of 
projects that currently exist.
  I urge a yea vote on House Resolution 173, and I compliment the 
authors of this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and was given permission to revise and extend 
his remarks.)
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I commend the gentleman from Arizona 
(Mr. Renzi) for his management of this piece of legislation. I also 
commend the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Putnam) for his sponsorship of 
this proposed resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, as stated by the previous gentleman, my good friend, the 
gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi), this is a noncontroversial 
resolution which salutes our National Wildlife Refuge System on its 
100th birthday. Certainly our refuge system must be listed as one of 
our Nation's best and most enduring conservation success stories.
  While I agree wholeheartedly with my colleagues that we indeed should 
celebrate our refuge system, I would be remiss if I did not also remind 
my colleagues of the significant challenges that confront this system 
today.
  At present, the refuge system faces a combined operations and 
maintenance backlog, backlog, Mr. Speaker, that is approaching some 
$1.8 billion. Funding to acquire or protect additional refuge lands has 
also shrunk, leaving some refuges fragmented or with gaping holes which 
both complicate and frustrate management.
  In addition, Mr. Speaker, critics still debate whether the ``wildlife 
first'' mission of the refuge system should be adjusted more towards 
the benefit of wildlife and less to the interests of other stakeholders 
who wish to extract or otherwise use refuge resources.
  Mr. Speaker, these are all issues that the refuge system will have to 
face as it begins its second hundred years. But for now, we should take 
a moment to reflect with pride on the accomplishments of this genuine 
conservation success story and congratulate it for a job well done.
  Again, I commend my good friend, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. 
Renzi) for bringing this resolution to the floor; and I commend our 
chairman, the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo), and our ranking 
member, the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall), for their 
leadership and support of this legislation.
  I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Putnam), the cosponsor of the bill.

                              {time}  1600

  Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. 
Renzi) for yielding me time, a good friend who has made a tremendous 
difference in this body in a very short period of time; and my friend 
and colleague from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega); and our fellow 
author of this bill, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Boyd). Truly, 
conservation in the movement and the commitment to public access for 
hunting and other outdoor activities is a bipartisan effort and 
something all of us are committed to.
  Mr. Speaker, on March 14, 2003, the National Wildlife Refuge System 
celebrated its centennial anniversary. A hundred years ago, President 
Theodore Roosevelt established the first refuge, the Pelican Island 
Bird Reservation in Florida's Indian River Lagoon. Today the National 
Wildlife Refuge System has evolved into the world's most unique network 
of lands and waters set aside specifically for conservation of fish, 
wildlife, and plants. With 540 refuges encompassing nearly 95 million 
acres and hosting some 35 million visitors annually, the National 
Wildlife Refuge System is a complex network of lands managed for 
wildlife and the public. There are refuges in every State of the Union 
and within an hour's drive of almost every major city.
  The Secretary of the Interior, Gayle Norton, was joined by thousands 
of wildlife enthusiasts, Members of Congress, and notable 
conservationists to celebrate the centennial of the system on March 14 
at Pelican Island. These celebrations occurred simultaneously at 
wildlife refuges across America, and the celebration will continue 
throughout the year.
  To commemorate this event, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Boyd) and 
I introduced H. Res. 173 to commemorate this centennial anniversary and 
to express support for its continued success in the next 100 years and 
beyond.
  As we gather in support of this to commemorate this tremendous 
birthday for the system, I would like to read into the Record an 
advertisement from Roll Call sponsored by nearly 40 sportsmen 
conservation groups. This diverse group represents the backbone of 
America's conservation efforts, and their strong support of the refuge 
system is both a testament and a tribute to the vision of the sportsman 
conservationist President Theodore Roosevelt, who proclaimed the first 
refuge in 1903. The ad begins with a quote from that great President 
and reads as follows: ``In a civilized and cultivated country, wild 
animals only continue to exist at all when preserved by sportsmen. The 
excellent people who protest against all hunting and consider sportsmen 
an enemy of wildlife, are ignorant of the fact that in reality the 
genuine sportsman is by all odds the most important factor in keeping 
the larger and more valuable wild creatures from total extermination.''
  The hunting community was one of the original, if not the only 
original, entity that recognized the need for

[[Page H3427]]

wildlife conservation, not only for hunters but for all those who seek 
to enjoy wildlife. Hunters were conservationists long before it was the 
politically correct thing to do. The timing of the formation of the 
National Refuge System illustrates this. The system was formed after 
the virtual eradication of the native bison, together with a dangerous 
reduction in a number of other species such as the prong horn, 
migratory water fowl and others. Hunters were the first to wake up to 
the reality that our wildlife resources were not unlimited.
  President Roosevelt, an avid hunter and conservationist himself, 
recognized the need to preserve wildlife through sustainable use. 
Unfortunately, some who oppose these hunting efforts attempt to revise 
history to diminish the hunting community's contribution to wildlife 
conservation. Recently on the eve of the centennial of the system, some 
have cast a pall by waging a litigation challenge to the system. Sadly, 
they missed the beauty of the refuge system as a place for all to enjoy 
wildlife and to cooperate in that effort.
  The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, 
identified by then President Clinton as ``the most significant 
conservation legislation to emerge from Congress to date,'' was a 
collaborative effort born of extensive negotiations between executive 
branch, Congress, environmental groups, and sportsmens organizations. 
According to the executive order that announced the 1997 law, the bill 
was ``proof that when there is a shared commitment to do what is right 
for our natural resources, partisan and idealogical differences can be 
set aside and compromises can be negotiated for the benefit of the 
common good.''
  Sportsmen are the original conservationists. The stewardship of the 
game population that provides a bounty of food and sport is crucial in 
the survival of many game species. The gains achieved in scientific 
management of game species can be linked to the efforts of hunters to 
maintain the populations and quality of the game they hunt. Populations 
of game animals have flourished through proper game management by 
concerned and devoted hunters. The populations of deer and turkey alone 
are far greater now at the beginning of this century than they ever 
were at the beginning of the last.
  It is in a hunter's best interest to maintain game populations so 
that they may continue to practice the tradition they love. Licensed 
game hunters are deeply involved in game management on a number of 
levels. They pay taxes on their arms and ammunition, stamps and 
permits, funds that all go to help protect and maintain the sport that 
they hold so dear to their hearts. The rules and codes that today's 
sportsmen follow serve to protect and improve the quality of game 
species for generations to come.
  I again thank the cosponsors of this legislation on both sides of the 
aisle, and I appreciate the time given us by the gentleman from Arizona 
(Mr. Renzi).
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to 
the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Tanner) to speak in support of the 
legislation.
  Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from American Samoa 
(Mr. Faleomavaega) for yielding me time.
  Mr. Speaker, as the National Wildlife Refuge System celebrates its 
100th anniversary, recognition for water fowl hunters and the 
contribution they have collectively and individually made on behalf of 
the refuge system is in order. Acquisition of lands for the National 
Wildlife Refuge System is funded in part by sales of the migratory bird 
hunting and conservation stamp, known wide and far as the duck stamp. 
Water fowl hunters are required to purchase a duck stamp as part of 
their hunting license to hunt water fowl on or off any refuge.
  Since 1934, the hunting community virtually alone has been funding 
the duck stamp program, raising more than a half a billion dollars for 
the refuge system. In fact, 98 percent of the revenue generated from 
sales of the duck stamp goes directly to acquisition of our national 
wildlife refuges, some 5 million acres so far, an extraordinary 
contribution, I think, by any measure.
  Currently, the 8th Congressional District of Tennessee is home to 
seven: Chickasaw, Cross Creeks, Hatchie, Lake Isom, Lower Hatchie, 
Reelfoot and Tennessee national wildlife refuges.
  Beginning back in August of 1934, Federal law mandated that 
individuals buy a duck stamp for the privilege of hunting migratory 
water fowl. Some 635,000 hunters paid $1 each for that stamp issued and 
it was none too soon. For the if the Great Depression was bad on 
people, it was worse on the ducks. Their prairie pot holes, ponds, 
marshes, and wetlands dried up and blew away along with much of the 
Midwest. Revenues from the duck stamp program were used to purchase and 
restore submarginal land for wildlife, particularly migratory water 
fowl.
  Today, the cost of a duck stamp is $15, but duck populations are 
stable and growing. So the next time you are at a National Wildlife 
Refuge and see a flight of ducks sweeping across the sky, remember to 
thank a hunter.
  Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Shaw).
  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, many lands and waters managed by the Fish and 
Wildlife Service allow recreational fishing and include more than 260 
public fishing programs on national wildlife refuges nationwide. There 
were about 6 million fishing visits to national wildlife refuges in 
1999. While the number of visitors engaged in freshwater fishing is 
holding steady, saltwater fishing is growing in popularity. Recent 
surveys indicate that many people engage in fishing in order to 
experience peace and solitude. National wildlife refuges can offer a 
quiet, yet wild, fishing experience for the American people.
  Among prime fishing experiences on national wildlife refuges are 
Tamarac Refuge in Minnesota, featuring some 21 lakes, five of which are 
open to canoes or small boats; anglers can real in northern pike and 
walleye. The Bayou Sauvage near New Orleans gives urban anglers a 
spectacular setting of both freshwater and saltwater fishing. In 
Philadelphia, John Heinz Refuge provides year-round fishing 
opportunities as one of the growing number of refuges with facilities 
that are disabled accessible. In my home State of Florida there are 
about 30 such refuges in where countless numbers of natives and 
tourists go each year to experience the great outdoors.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support this resolution and our 
National Wildlife Refuge System, which creates these opportunities for 
anglers all across the United States.
  Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of House 
Resolution 173. This resolution recognizes the achievements and 
contributions of the National Wildlife Refuge System on the occasion of 
its centennial anniversary and expresses strong support for the 
continued success of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
  On March 14, 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt set aside Pelican 
Island off Florida's east coast to preserve the natural beauty of the 
islands for future generations. This act gave birth to a vision for 
America that has become the National Wildlife Refuge System.
  Each year, millions of people who share Teddy Roosevelt's passion for 
the outdoors and his devotion to preserving these places visit and 
enjoy more than 540 refuges and nearly 100 million acres nationwide all 
set aside for the wildlife that live and visit these areas and for the 
people that treasure these natural wonders.
  In my Southern New Jersey District, we have much to be thankful for 
with the trio of jewels that are the Supawna Meadows National Wildlife 
Refuge in Salem County, the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge 
in Atlantic and Burlington Counties, and the Cape May National Wildlife 
Refuge in Cape May County. These three refuges provide both a welcome 
respite for important species who visit in this area as well as places 
for thousands of visitors to see these species in their natural 
habitat.
  Throughout my service in Congress, I have been proud to work to 
preserve and enhance these wildlife refuges. However, much of the 
credit for the hard work of protecting our wildlife refuges must go to 
the dedicated employees and volunteers at each of our local refuges. 
Without their dedication and drive, these refuges would not be a living 
realization off Teddy Roosevelt's dream which began a century ago.
  It is my hope that one hundred years from now, those who visit these 
national treasures are as astounded and inspired by the same beauty 
that the National Wildlife Refuge System is working so hard to preserve 
today.

[[Page H3428]]

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House 
Resolution 173, recognizing the important achievements and 
contributions of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The National 
Wildlife Refuge System has been a national treasure for one hundred 
years thanks to the efforts of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 
Since its creation in 1903, the National Wildlife Refuge System has 
successfully protected numerous plant and animal species in each of the 
fifty states. In my great State of Delaware, the Bombay Hook and Prime 
Hook National Wildlife Refuges have protected and encouraged growth of 
migratory bird populations so that future generations can benefit from 
their existence just as we and our ancestors have marveled at their 
presence.
  The Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge has provided a safe habitat 
for eagles, deer, and migratory waterfowl and shorebirds since its 
creation in 1937. During that period, the refuge has maintained an 
eagle population and has seen 28 eaglets fledged. The refuge currently 
has one active bald eagle nest. I am thankful that, through the efforts 
of taxpayers, volunteers, and refuge employees, future generations of 
Delawareans will not miss the splendor of a soaring bald eagle, a 
national icon. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge has also 
successfully protected the tidal salt marsh so that waterfowl 
populations including the snow geese continue to migrate to the 
Delaware shore. Recently, ten years of horseshoe crab surveying have 
led to the implementation of tighter restrictions on the harvesting of 
the species. All of these achievements have benefited nature lovers and 
birders across the nation and enriched the education of generations of 
children.
  The Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, since its establishment in 
1963, also has provided protection for numerous migratory bird and 
other populations. The refuge has expanded recently from a satellite of 
the Bombary Hook National Wildlife Refuge to become an independent 
refuge with an active bald eagle nest and one of the largest freshwater 
marshes on the East Coast. I have been proud to work with Delawareans 
to improve Prime Hook through the voluntary purchase of new properties 
in and adjacent to the refuge. These land purchases will provide a 
valuable buffer between the refuge and fast growing development in the 
county.
  It gives me great pleasure, Mr. Speaker, to recognize these 
achievements and to ensure that these refuges receive the continued 
support of Congress. In reaffirming our commitment to the conservation 
of our nation's rich natural heritage, we allow our future generations 
to witness the same natural wonders we have the privilege of seeing 
today.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Boozman). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 173.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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