[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24122]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE POINT MOUILLEE WATERFOWL 
                                FESTIVAL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 10, 2007

  Mr. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge, honor, and 
celebrate an event taking place in ``the world's largest freshwater 
marsh restoration project.'' Ever more popular each year, the Pointe 
Mouillee Waterfowl Festival is celebrating its 60th year of bringing 
together all manner of wilderness enthusiasts and outdoorsmen for an 
exciting weekend of appreciation, competitions, and games.
  The Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival is a unique event open to all 
wildlife lovers of every age, and it is free of charge to the public. 
This event is made possible through the hard work of the organizers of 
the Festival, sponsor businesses, conservation groups, and the hundreds 
of visitors who travel with their families for the annual event. Of 
course, one must also remember the many diverse species of waterfowl 
whose presence at Pointe Mouillee highlights the work of those who 
spend their precious time working to restore and maintain the marsh. 
The whole festival is a wonderful opportunity to see all the benefits 
of conservation come together in one remarkable weekend for everyone to 
enjoy.
  Pointe Mouillee, aptly named ``wet point'' in French, began its role 
as a haven for sportsmen in the late 19th century when it was owned by 
an upper-class group of only 8 men. It endured as such--only adding 2 
new membership slots--for 70 years. In 1945, however, the aristocratic 
ownership of the 2,608 acres of marshland ended when it was sold to the 
Michigan Department of Conservation. At that point, the beautiful 
channels and lands were opened to the happy public. Ten thousand 
outdoorsmen, one thousand times the previous restricted membership, 
flocked to enjoy Pointe Mouillee that season alone.
  Over time, however, as construction began on dams and the natural 
flow of the Huron River was shifted, the important balance of the 
habitat began to shift as well. As this trend was exacerbated in the 
1960s and 1970s the damage only worsened. Nonetheless, despite the many 
obstacles, the Festival continues to work to preserve the marshland and 
bring even greater attention to the beauty and utility of those 2,608 
acres.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that all of my colleagues join me in saluting 
the Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival as it celebrates its 60th 
anniversary. I have every hope, and every confidence, that this great 
festival will carry on its proud tradition of appreciation toward the 
natural beauty of the Pointe Mouillee and other such sites throughout 
Michigan and the entire region.

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