WASHINGTON, D.C. – SEPTEMBER twenty seventh, 2024 – The Nationwide Wildlife Refuge Affiliation expresses its deep appreciation to Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and John Kennedy (R-La.) for his or her bipartisan management in introducing a Senate decision to designate the week of October 13-19, 2024, as Nationwide Wildlife Refuge Week. This decision celebrates the numerous function that nationwide wildlife refuges play in wildlife conservation, supporting native communities, and providing various leisure alternatives for the general public.
With 572 refuges and 38 wetland administration districts throughout the U.S., the Nationwide Wildlife Refuge System protects important ecosystems which might be residence to over 1,100 species of fish, 800 species of birds, and greater than 380 species listed as threatened or endangered. This decision highlights the important significance of refuges in defending biodiversity, supporting climate-resilient habitats, and contributing to the nation’s wealthy heritage of looking, fishing, and wildlife commentary.
Senator Coons emphasised the long-standing influence of the Refuge System, stating, “For greater than 100 years, the Nationwide Wildlife Refuge System has protected our wildlife and ecosystems in Delaware and throughout the nation whereas strengthening native economies. Wildlife refuges like Bombay Hook and Prime Hook, which collectively cowl greater than 10,000 acres, keep a wholesome ecosystem, native aesthetics, and leisure alternatives within the First State. I’m proud to steer the bipartisan Nationwide Wildlife Refuge Week decision alongside Senator Kennedy as we proceed to assist and preserve biodiversity.”
Senator Kennedy echoed these sentiments, noting, “Louisiana is residence to greater than 23 refuges that assist defend our state’s distinctive species and make us the sportsman’s paradise. This Wildlife Refuge Week, I’m grateful for the chance to advertise America’s pure setting as we protect these ecosystems for future generations to enjoy and revel in.”
The Refuge System not solely performs an important function in conserving wildlife and habitat but additionally helps native economies. Annually, refuges generate greater than $3.2 billion for native economies and assist over 41,000 jobs. The decision acknowledges these contributions, in addition to the significance of fostering inclusive out of doors recreation and conservation training throughout communities by the City Wildlife Conservation Program.
This decision demonstrates that defending America’s wildlife and pure landscapes is a nonpartisan challenge that transcends political boundaries. Nationwide wildlife refuges profit everybody, offering areas for recreation, conservation, and training whereas serving as a robust instrument within the struggle towards local weather change by conserving climate-resilient habitats.
In celebration of Nationwide Wildlife Refuge Week, refuges throughout the nation will probably be internet hosting quite a lot of occasions, together with bird-watching, pictures excursions, guided nature walks, and academic packages for all ages. These occasions spotlight the methods nationwide wildlife refuges contribute to the standard of life for folks and wildlife alike.
For extra info on upcoming actions and how one can take part, go to https://www.fws.gov/occasions.
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The Nationwide Wildlife Refuge Affiliation is a non-profit solely centered on defending, selling, and enhancing the 850-million-acre Nationwide Wildlife Refuge System, the world’s largest community of lands and waters put aside for wildlife conservation.
For all media inquiries and questions, please contact Eden Taylor, Director of Communications & Advertising at etaylor@refugeassociation.org.
