[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 144 (Tuesday, November 13, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1740]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




COMMEMORATING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DON EDWARDS SAN FRANCISCO BAY 
                        NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 13, 2012

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 40th 
anniversary of the creation of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay 
National Wildlife Refuge, the first urban national Wildlife Refuge 
established in the United States. The Refuge is dedicated to preserving 
and enhancing wildlife habitat, protecting migratory birds, protecting 
threatened and endangered species, and providing opportunities for 
wildlife-oriented recreation and nature study for the surrounding 
communities of the south San Francisco Bay area.
  As of 2004, the Refuge spans 30,000 acres of diverse habitats 
throughout South San Francisco Bay, including open bay, salt ponds, 
salt marshes, mudflats, upland areas and vernal pools. Located along 
the Pacific Flyway, the Refuge hosts over 280 species of birds each 
year. Millions of shorebirds and waterfowl stop to refuel at the Refuge 
during the spring and fall migration. In addition to its seasonal 
visitors, the Refuge provides critical habitat to resident species like 
the endangered California clapper rail and salt marsh harvest mouse. 
Today, hundreds of thousands of people visit the Refuge each year to 
enjoy its diverse wildlife and habitats.
  The Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge is part of 
a complex of six other wildlife refuges in the San Francisco Bay Area. 
Created by legislation signed by President Richard Nixon in 1972 as the 
San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and administered since then 
by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it was renamed the Don Edwards 
San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge in 1995 in recognition of 
Congressman Don Edwards' efforts to protect sensitive wetlands in the 
South San Francisco Bay.
  I join in congratulating the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National 
Wildlife Refuge on its 40th anniversary and I applaud the commitment of 
all who have contributed over these many years to preserving and 
protecting our precious San Francisco Bay.

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