[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 138 (Tuesday, September 29, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S9926]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    NATIONAL HUNTING AND FISHING DAY

 Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I am here today in recognition of 
National Hunting and Fishing Day, which was recognized on September 26. 
Hunters and anglers contribute significantly to our Nation's economy. 
More than 1 million hunters and anglers add over $3 billion each year 
into Michigan's economy alone.
  From the very beginning, hunting and fishing have been at the center 
of Michigan's history and culture. Our two great peninsulas, surrounded 
by the magnificent Great Lakes, are home to over 8 million acres of 
public hunting land, tens of thousands of rivers and streams, and some 
of the best hunting and fishing in the United States. Whether 
meandering along Hemingway's Fox or Two Hearted Rivers for brook trout 
and ruffed grouse, or making the annual trip to deer camp with friends 
and family, Michigan's proud heritage comes with a sense of profound 
responsibility to protect that legacy for future generations.
  We have made some important progress. I have been pleased to 
spearhead a number of efforts including Federal funding to stop the 
invasive cormorant from destroying our fisheries. This project has 
already shown conclusive results in bringing back once-decimated 
fishing areas. Through my work on the Senate Agriculture Committee, we 
have invested over $4 billion in new conservation efforts that will 
protect wildlife habitats and increase access for hunters and anglers 
across the country. Most recently, the Senate passed $400 million in 
funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to clean up the 
Great Lakes.
  While we have made progress, there is more work to be done. I will 
continue to work for passage of the National Fish Habitat Conservation 
Act and the Clean Water Restoration Act, which will help preserve 
Michigan's 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, including over 1,000 
miles of blue-ribbon trout streams. I will also continue to work to 
ensure access to public lands and waterways.
  Working together, we can preserve our natural resources so others can 
enjoy our rich hunting and fishing heritage for generations to 
come.

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