[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 14196-14197]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MINNESOTA VALLEY NATIONAL 
                            WILDLIFE REFUGE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 14, 2016

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 40th 
anniversary of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. 
Established in 1976, this refuge managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service provides vital

[[Page 14197]]

habitat for migratory water fowl, fish and other species. The Minnesota 
Valley National Wildlife Refuge is a wonderful example of Minnesota's 
commitment to conservation and the environment.
  The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge offers a world class 
opportunity to experience Minnesota's natural landscape and view 
wildlife, starting from the heart of the Twin Cities metropolitan area 
in Bloomington stretching more than 70 miles along the Minnesota River 
to Henderson, Minnesota. More than 5,000 acres of the 14,000 acre 
refuge are protected as Waterfowl Production Areas. During peak 
migration periods, visitors are witness to exceptional bird watching as 
hundreds of thousands of waterfowl, songbirds, and raptors are funneled 
into the valley along their migratory routes.
  Another significant focus of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife 
Refuge is land conservation and management of habitats ranging from 
wetlands, to floodplain forest, to tall grass prairie. These diverse 
habitats are actively managed using modern conservation techniques such 
as biological control, prescribed burning and invasive plant removal to 
benefit the resident plants and animals. Refuge staff also reaches out 
to private local land owners on conservation and restoration efforts to 
enhance wildlife habitat within the region.
  Minnesotans are steadfast stewards of the beautiful and diverse 
natural environments that make up our great state. The refuge is a 
shining example of our partnership with the federal government to 
preserve these beautiful natural resources in the heart of our 
Metropolitan Region. Mr. Speaker, please join me in paying tribute to 
the forty years of dedicated work by the federal employees and 
volunteers of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service whose efforts will 
continue in order to protect Minnesota wildlife and habitat at the 
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

                          ____________________