[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 46 (Tuesday, March 15, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E257]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING THE IZAAK WALTON LEAGUE OF AMERICA'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. FRANK J. MRVAN--

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 15, 2022

  Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, it is with immense pleasure that I rise 
today to recognize the Izaak Walton League of America on the 
organization's 100th Anniversary and to congratulate its members on 
their many accomplishments. In honor of the League's anniversary, I 
would like to commemorate its legacy of environmental advocacy.
  The Izaak Walton League of America was formally incorporated on 
January 14, 1922, by fifty-four ambitious men with the goal of 
conserving our nation's natural resources. At the time, after 
recognizing the deterioration of our wildlife habitats, they took 
immediate action to ensure their enjoyment, benefit, and use for 
generations to come. Today, the League consists of 42,000 members and 
more than 200 community-based chapters, each committed to continuing 
the legacy and furthering the accomplishments of their predecessors. 
The League's members have worked hard to protect our nation's soil, 
air, wood, waters, and wildlife, and not only have they met their goal, 
they have exceeded it.
  The League is responsible for the passage of the Federal Aid in 
Wildlife Restoration Act, commonly known as the Pittman-Robertson Act, 
which was signed into law in 1937. This has provided billions of 
dollars in funding to wildlife restoration, habitat conservation, and 
hunter education. The League's proposal and advocacy for a federal 
agency to combat water pollution across the country led to the landmark 
Clean Water Act of 1972 which set federal standards for our nation's 
waters. Furthermore, the League's advocacy on behalf of Indiana Dunes 
National Park has provided Hoosiers in Northwest Indiana continued 
enjoyment and enrichment of our lakeshore. We must also commend the 
Izaak Walton League for its role in the creation of the Land and Water 
Conservation Fund, 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.
  Many positive changes involving policies, legislation, and efforts to 
protect the environment have resulted because of the League's 
dedication to its communities. The League's members, known as ``Ikes,'' 
give their time to help build nature trails, restore stream banks, 
plant trees and rain gardens, keep family farms in business, and 
prevent the spread of invasive species. Keeping in mind how important 
it is to invest in the future, the League created a scholarship fund 
that awards $125,000 annually to students who are seeking their degrees 
in fields related to conservation and natural resources. 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.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in honoring and congratulating the Izaak Walton League of 
America on its 100th 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.

                          ____________________