[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 138 (Friday, September 6, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E864]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                 RECOGNIZING JOHN ``JOHNNY'' L. MORRIS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BRUCE WESTERMAN

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 6, 2024

  Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the Congressional 
Sportsmen's Caucus, I rise today to recognize an individual that has 
made significant contributions to our Nation's fish and wildlife 
conservation efforts, as well as America's longstanding outdoor 
traditions. This individual is also the recipient of an award named 
after members of this body that have made lasting and significant 
contributions to our Nation's outdoor heritage.
  John ``Johnny'' L. Morris was born in Springfield, Missouri, to John 
A. and Genny Morris in 1948. Johnny's parents both loved to hunt and 
fish and soon shared their passions with their son. Johnny's love of 
fishing grew through high school and college but it wasn't until he 
attended the first national B.A.S.S. (Bass Anglers Sportsman Society) 
tournament that he truly realized his passion for fishing after meeting 
fishermen from all over the country.
  In 1972, Johnny Morris started selling tackle out of his dad's Brown 
Derby Liquor Store, which became very popular for anglers visiting the 
area's waterways. In 1978, Morris created BASS TRACKER, the industry's 
first fully outfitted, ready-to-fish boat, motor, and trailer package, 
revolutionizing the entire outdoor industry and making it affordable 
for families to get out on the water and make memories that will last a 
lifetime.
  Today, Mr. Morris operates more than 170 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's 
destinations across North America, and his commitment to his 
conservation roots remains stronger than ever as his company, for more 
than the past decade, has averaged giving back more than 10% of their 
earnings to conservation.
  Johnny would go on to then create the Johnny Morris Conservation 
Foundation, one of the most significant conservation foundations in 
North America. The not-for-profit foundation embodies Morris and his 
lifelong dedication to giving back to ensure the outdoors and all it 
has to offer is available for future generations. In conservation 
circles, Johnny Morris is often referred to as today's Modern-Day 
Theodore Roosevelt, as result of his leadership, personal commitment, 
and dedication to conservation efforts. A conservationist at heart, 
Johnny Morris recognized the need for citizens to become more involved 
in the careful management and use of our natural resources.
  Today, the foundation operates some of the Nation's most significant 
conservation attractions, including Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, a 
10,000-acre-park that offers a variety of outdoor recreation. Its 
Conservation and Education Center is used to teach the importance of 
protecting and conserving our great outdoors. Most notably, the 
foundation also operates the most immersive conservation attraction in 
the world, Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and 
Aquarium, where visitors are taken on a conservation journey through a 
350,000 square-foot complex of 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, 
amphibians, and birds where they learn about wildlife habitat 
management and the significant contributions of America's sportsmen and 
women. This attraction is also the official home of National Hunting 
and Fishing Day, which was launched by Congress in 1971 as a way to 
recognize and celebrate hunters and anglers for their leadership in 
wildlife and conservation.
  In recognition of Mr. Morris' service to conservation, he has been 
chosen as this year's recipient of the Dingell-Young Sportsmen's Legacy 
Award, a fitting tribute to an individual whose life has epitomized 
dedication to America's outdoor heritage.
  Named in recognition of the Dingell family--Congressmen John D. 
Dingell, Sr. and John D. Dingell, Jr. and the late Congressman Don 
Young, the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation created the Dingell-
Young Sportsmen's Legacy Award to recognize the extraordinary 
individual and collaborative leadership of the Dingell family and 
Congressman Young and their long-standing dedication to the advancement 
of conservation policy and our outdoor hunting and angling traditions. 
Like them, Morris' contributions to our outdoor traditions relied upon 
a unique commitment to a shared passion for hunting, fishing, and 
conservation.
  Recognized as one of the country's leaders working to ensure natural 
habitats, wildlife, and the outdoors remain healthy and abundant for 
future generations, the Dingell-Young Sportsmen's Legacy Award is a 
fitting tribute for Morris.
  In closing, I want to thank Mr. Morris for his many contributions to 
America's outdoor heritage and congratulate him for the well-deserved 
recognition as the recipient of the Dingell-Young Sportsmen's Legacy 
Award, the top award offered by the Congressional Sportsmen's 
Foundation. In the words of Mr. Morris, Mr. Speaker, ``Take a kid 
fishing, you'll be happy you did.''

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