Designating September 29, 2018, as “National Urban Wildlife Refuge Day”.

Designating September 29, 2018, as “National Urban Wildlife Refuge Day”.

Whereas over 80 percent of people in the United States live in or near cities, which typically have limited opportunities for residents to access nature and experience outdoor recreation;

Whereas the National Wildlife Refuge System under the United States Fish and Wildlife Service manages 566 national wildlife refuges that constitute a national network of land and water managed for the conservation of fish, wildlife, and plants in the United States;

Whereas national wildlife refuges provide opportunities for people to discover and appreciate nature;

Whereas there is a refuge located within a 1-hour drive of every metropolitan area in the United States;

Whereas the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program under the United States Fish and Wildlife Service—

(1) focuses on introducing people living in densely populated areas to the more than 100 national wildlife refuges near urban areas; and

(2) promotes wildlife conservation and the enjoyment of hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-dependent recreational activities close to where people live;

Whereas the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program focuses on public-private partnerships—

(1) to improve wildlife conservation; and

(2) to promote access to recreation on and off national wildlife refuges, including recreational activities such as hunting and fishing; and

Whereas by exploring community-centered approaches to address local needs, engaging the next generation of anglers and hunters, and providing infrastructure and safe access, the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program helps local organizations, cities, and towns across the United States engage in conservation activities: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved,