Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Kennedy (R-LA), Chris Coons (D-DE), and 12 colleagues have introduced a resolution to designate the week of October 13-19, 2024, as National Wildlife Refuge Week. The resolution highlights the benefits of national wildlife refuges and acknowledges their role in promoting hunting, fishing, and conservation.

According to the resolution, "the United States Fish and Wildlife Service administers the National Wildlife Refuge System to conserve, manage, and, where appropriate, restore fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of current and future generations." It also states that "national wildlife refuges are important recreational and tourism destinations in communities across the United States, and offer a variety of recreational opportunities, including sustainable hunting and fishing, wildlife observation, photography, environmental education, and interpretation."

The National Wildlife Refuge System is noted for contributing more than $3.2 billion annually to local economies while supporting over 41,000 jobs.

Joining Cassidy, Kennedy, and Coons in cosponsoring the resolution were U.S. Senators Tom Carper (D-DE), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Susan Collins (R-ME), Jack Reed (D-RI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Joe Manchin (I-WV), and Martin Heinrich (D-MN).

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