[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 14, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CELEBRATING THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE IZAAK WALTON LEAGUE OF AMERICA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 14, 2012

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with immense pleasure that I rise 
today to recognize the Izaak Walton League of America on their 90th 
Anniversary and to congratulate its members on their many 
accomplishments. In honor of this exceptional milestone, the Izaak 
Walton League of America began a yearlong celebration on January 14, 
2012, 90 years to the date of the organization's incorporation.
  After being formally incorporated on January 14, 1922, in Illinois, 
the League, which initially consisted of fifty-four admirable men, 
began to work diligently on conserving natural resources in order to 
ensure their enjoyment, benefit, and use to the current generation and 
generations to come. Today, the League consists of 39,000 members and 
more than 250 community-based chapters who are committed to continuing 
the legacy and furthering the accomplishments of their predecessors. 
With a goal in mind to protect the nation's soil, air, wood, waters, 
and wildlife, the League's members have set high standards, and through 
hard work and dedication, not only met, but exceeded their goals. To 
elaborate on just a few examples of the tremendous impact the League's 
efforts have had on the environment, League leaders played a major role 
in the formulation of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, which led 
to the landmark 1973 Clean Water Act. Furthermore, the League led the 
way in the creation of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and today, 
its members work to ensure these funds are being allocated 
appropriately, for purposes which include the acquisition of public 
land and the creation of local opportunities for outdoor recreation. 
The Izaak Walton League is also to be commended for its role in the 
creation of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish 
Refuge, Superior National Forest, Boundary Waters Canoe Area 
Wilderness, and the Everglades and Isle Royale National Parks.
  The League's continuous cooperation in working with communities, as 
well as with Congress, has led to many positive changes involving 
policies, legislation, and efforts to protect the environment. When it 
comes to protecting our water sources, defending public lands, 
establishing farm and energy policy, protecting fish and wildlife, and 
conservation, the Izaak Walton League's members have proven that with 
diligence, teamwork, and an appreciation for nature, everyday citizens 
can have a major impact on the world.
  The Izaak Walton League's dedication to communities is endless. The 
League has supported programs to keep family farms in business, and 
groups of League members, known as ``Ikes,'' give their time to help 
build nature trails, restore stream banks, plant trees and rain 
gardens, and prevent the spread of invasive species. The Izaak Walton 
League knows how important it is to invest in the future, and it is 
with this in mind that the organization annually awards $125,000 in 
scholarships to college students seeking their degrees in fields 
related to conservation and natural resources.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in honoring and congratulating the Izaak Walton League of 
America on its 90th Anniversary. Through the years, the League's 
members have dedicated their time and efforts to ensure the 
conservation of our natural resources, and for this, they are to be 
recognized and commended.

                          ____________________