HR 119 (LSB 6325HH (8) 90)

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 119

BY  ISENHART, MOHR, KURTH, STOLTENBERG, DETERMANN, CROKEN, BRADLEY, MOMMSEN, VONDRAN, OSMUNDSON, LUNDGREN, and KAUFMANN

A Resolution recognizing the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife and Fish Refuge.

   WHEREAS, the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge) was created by an Act of Congress 100 years ago on June 7, 1924, to systematically evaluate, manage, and protect the 261-mile, 240,000-acre river corridor, from Wabasha, Minnesota, to Princeton, Iowa, including 72 cities and towns; and
   WHEREAS, the Refuge was the nation’s largest environmental investment at the time and was established as the first major project of the Izaak Walton League of America, prompted by a desire to preserve 13,000 acres of wetlands in the Winneshiek Bottoms near Lansing, Iowa; and
   WHEREAS, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, nonprofit organizations, federal and state partners, and others work to conserve, protect, and enhance habitat and plant life for use as a breeding ground for migratory birds, fish, and other wildlife; and
   WHEREAS, the Refuge is home to more than 1,262 species, including 300 birds, 50 mammals, 30 reptiles, 42 freshwater mussels, and 840 plants, as well as over 300 nesting pairs of America’s symbol, the bald eagle, after hosting only one breeding pair in 1972; and
   WHEREAS, the Refuge is designated a Wetland of International Importance by the United Nations and a Globally Important Bird and Biodiversity Area by BirdLife International and the National Audubon Society; and
   WHEREAS, the Refuge addresses significant ecological challenges, including threats from climate change and invasive species, preserves unique plant species, conserves threatened and endangered species, serves as a layover haven for migratory waterfowl and neotropical birds, restores hardwood forests, and preserves cultural resources; and
   WHEREAS, the Refuge hosts 3.7 million visitors annually at Yellow River State Forest, Pikes Peak State Park, Mines of Spain Recreation Area, Bellevue State Park, Green Island Wildlife Management Area, Wildcat Den State Park, and other city, county, and state parks and conservation areas; and
   WHEREAS, the Refuge offers prime recreational opportunities to the public including hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, boating, kayaking, canoeing, wildlife viewing and photography, as well as environmental, historical, and cultural education; and
   WHEREAS, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, nonprofit organizations, and state and federal partners work together to conserve and enhance this natural inheritance for the continuing benefit of the American people and future generations; NOW THEREFORE,

   BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, That the House of Representatives declares June 7, 2024, as Upper Mississippi River Wildlife and Fish Refuge Day, encouraging the people of Iowa to gather locally throughout the year for events to celebrate the 100th anniversary.

   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives encourages educational institutions and public entities to provide critical research, to educate the public, and to engage in collaborative projects related to the Upper Mississippi River, in order to promote human and ecological health, to enhance biodiversity, to protect wildlife habitat and endangered species, and to promote recreational and economic opportunities; and
   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives encourages the President of the United States, the United States Congress, the Iowa General Assembly, the Governor of Iowa, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, cities, counties, soil and conservation districts, county extension councils, and other public jurisdictions and elected officials to adopt appropriate resolutions, policies, programs, and funding commitments in collaboration with private and nonprofit organizations to secure the integrity of the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife and Fish Refuge for the next 100 years.