[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 81 (Thursday, May 12, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S2494]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. CARPER (for himself and Mrs. Capito):
  S. 4194. A bill to amend the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 to 
reauthorize the volunteer services, community partnership, and refuge 
education programs of the National Wildlife Refuge System, and for 
other purposes; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
  Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, Senator Capito and I are introducing 
legislation today to reauthorize appropriations for the National 
Wildlife Refuge System's volunteer and partnerships program. I want to 
share with our colleagues some information about the Keep America's 
Refuges Operational Act and ask for their support.
  The Keep America's Refuges Operational Act reauthorizes the volunteer 
and partnerships program, with no increase, at $2 million per year. The 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uses the modest Federal funding it 
receives for this program to leverage volunteer contributions by 
providing uniforms, training, equipment, and necessary travel.
  Our National Wildlife Refuge System is an exceptional network of more 
than 850 acres of public lands and waters dedicated to fish and 
wildlife conservation. Tens of millions of people visit our refuges 
each year to explore, fish, hunt, and view and study wildlife. This 
ecotourism strongly supports local economies. During the pandemic in 
particular, our national lands, including refuges, were safe outdoor 
spaces for recreation.
  Volunteers are critical to refuge operations. They assist with fish 
and wildlife surveys, restoring habitat, and supporting refuge office 
functions. Without volunteers and partner groups, refuges would likely 
have to cut back on public programs and reduce hours of operation.
  In my home State of Delaware, we have two beautiful refuges--the 
Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge and the Bombay Hook National 
Wildlife Refuge. Both refuges are highly dependent upon volunteers.
  Each year, people come to our refuges to observe the federally 
threatened red knot shorebird, which stops along the Delaware Bay to 
refuel on horseshoe crab eggs along its migration journey. Volunteers 
make sure these visitors have memorable experiences.
  When people can see these pristine habitats and the many species that 
call them home, they are inspired to be good stewards of our planet for 
the enjoyment and benefit of future generations.
  I want to ensure that these opportunities opportunities abound in 
Delaware and around the country. A small annual investment in the 
refuge system volunteer and partnerships program goes a long way. Every 
$1 appropriated to coordinate these volunteers translates to 
approximately $10 worth of volunteer services.
  These appropriations also help cut government costs. In fiscal year 
2021, more than 11,000 volunteers donated 68,879 hours, with donated 
time equaling that of 318 full-time employees. The value of this time 
contribution is about $18.5 million.
  I want to thank Senator Capito for cosponsoring this commonsense 
legislation. I look forward to working with her and our colleagues in 
the House to pass the Keep America's Refuges Operational Act and enact 
it into law.
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