[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 169 (Tuesday, September 29, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S5985]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 735--DESIGNATING SEPTEMBER 29, 2020, AS ``NATIONAL 
                      URBAN WILDLIFE REFUGE DAY''

  Mr. GARDNER (for himself, Mr. Bennet, and Mr. Udall) submitted the 
following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 735

       Whereas over 80 percent of people in the United States live 
     in or near cities, which typically have limited opportunities 
     for residents to access nature and experience outdoor 
     recreation;
       Whereas the National Wildlife Refuge System under the 
     United States Fish and Wildlife Service manages 568 national 
     wildlife refuges that constitute a national network of land 
     and water managed for the conservation of fish, wildlife, and 
     plants in the United States;
       Whereas national wildlife refuges provide opportunities for 
     people to discover and appreciate nature;
       Whereas there is a refuge located within a 1-hour drive of 
     every metropolitan area in the United States;
       Whereas the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program under the 
     United States Fish and Wildlife Service--
       (1) focuses on introducing people living in densely 
     populated areas to the more than 100 national wildlife 
     refuges near urban areas; and
       (2) promotes wildlife conservation and the enjoyment of 
     hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-dependent recreational 
     activities close to where people live;
       Whereas the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program focuses on 
     public-private partnerships--
       (1) to improve wildlife conservation; and
       (2) to promote access to recreation on and off national 
     wildlife refuges, including recreational activities such as 
     hunting and fishing; and
       Whereas by exploring community-centered approaches to 
     address local needs, engaging the next generation of anglers 
     and hunters, and providing infrastructure and safe access, 
     the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program helps local 
     organizations, cities, and towns across the United States 
     engage in conservation activities: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates September 29, 2020, as ``National Urban 
     Wildlife Refuge Day'';
       (2) encourages the United States Fish and Wildlife Service 
     to increase access to outdoor recreational opportunities for 
     urban communities; and
       (3) encourages the people of the United States to visit and 
     experience the more than 100 urban national wildlife refuges 
     of the United States.

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