[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 16]
[Senate]
[Page 21456]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   SENATE RESOLUTION 255--RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE UNITED 
  STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE AND THE WATERFOWL POPULATION SURVEY

  Mrs. LINCOLN (for herself and Mr. Cochran) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Environment and 
Public Works:

                              S. Res. 255

       Whereas every spring and summer teams of United States Fish 
     and Wildlife Service pilot-biologists take to the skies to 
     survey North America's waterfowl breeding grounds flying more 
     than 80,000 miles a year, crisscrossing the country just 
     above the treetops and open fields, they and observers on the 
     ground record the number of ducks, geese, and swans and 
     assess the quality and quantity of water-fowl breeding 
     habitats.
       Whereas the pilot biologists operate from the wide open 
     bays and wetlands of the eastern shores of North America to 
     some of the most remote regions of Canada and Alaska, and are 
     documenting an important part of our wildlife heritage;
       Whereas the Waterfowl Population Survey, operated by the 
     United States Fish and Wildlife Service, is celebrating its 
     50th anniversary in 2005, is featured on the 2005-2006 Duck 
     Stamp, and has been recognized by the Congressional 
     Sportsmen's Foundation for its contribution to waterfowl 
     hunting;
       Whereas the Waterfowl Population Survey Program has evolved 
     into the largest and most reliable wildlife survey effort in 
     the world;
       Whereas for more than 50 years cooperative waterfowl 
     surveys have been performed by the United States Fish and 
     Wildlife Service, the Canadian Wildlife Service, State and 
     provincial biologists, and nongovernmental partners; and
       Whereas survey results determine the status of North 
     America's waterfowl populations, play an important role in 
     setting annual waterfowl hunting regulations, and help guide 
     the decisions of waterfowl managers throughout North America: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes the achievements and contributions of the 
     Waterfowl Population Survey Program;
       (2) expresses strong support for the continued success of 
     the Waterfowl Population Survey Program;
       (3) encourages the United States Fish and Wildlife Service 
     in its efforts to broaden understanding and public 
     participation in the Waterfowl Population Survey Program by 
     increasing partnerships to continue growth and development of 
     the Survey; and
       (4) reaffirms its commitment to the Waterfowl Population 
     Survey Program and the conservation of the rich natural 
     heritage of the United States.

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