[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 22]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 31325]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  ON THE OCCASION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF NATIONAL KEY DEER REFUGE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 13, 2007

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, this year, members of the 
conservation community, Keys residents, and nature enthusiasts 
celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the National Key Deer Refuge. This 
federally protected area is home to the imperiled tropical hardwood 
hammock and 22 endangered and threatened species of plants and animals, 
5 of which are found nowhere else on the planet.
  As the Member of Congress representing all four of the Florida Keys 
National Wildlife Refuges, I am well aware of the vital role these 
refuges play in preserving our natural habitats, promoting scientific 
research and technology, and educating our communities as to the 
importance of conserving endangered and threatened fish, wildlife and 
plants.
  Of the endangered and threatened species in the area, the Key Deer 
have tremendously benefited from the creation of the Refuge. Thanks 
largely to the incredible efforts of local leaders, volunteers, and the 
dedicated Refuge staff--especially Jack Watson and Anne Morkill--the 
Key Deer population has been rescued from almost certain extinction.
  While much has been accomplished in the last 50 years, a great task 
still lies ahead. The call to protect our natural habitats should be a 
responsibility shared by all members of our community. The Refuge's new 
administration building a structure rebuilt following the devastating 
storms of 2005--will play an important role in further educating the 
public as to the importance of this area to our Keys ecosystem but our 
global ecology, as well.
  I look forward to working with you all to accomplish yet another 
successful 50 years of wildlife conservation on the National Key Deer 
Refuge. By working together, we can ensure that our Refuge remains a 
staple of Keys conservation efforts and an area for future generations 
to explore and enjoy.

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