Senators Coons, Kennedy introduce resolution celebrating National Wildlife Refuge Week

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and John Kennedy (R-La.) introduced a resolution today designating the week of October 8-14, 2023 as National Wildlife Refuge Week. The resolution celebrates the diverse ecosystems and wildlife found in our National Wildlife Refuges and the many recreational activities that they support, including hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation. Since 1903, the National Wildlife Refuge System has served a critical role in wildlife conservation, and it generates billions of dollars for local economies across the country each year.

“The National Wildlife Refuge System is vital to the protection of the wildlife and recreation found up and down Delaware and across America,” said Senator Coons. “In Delaware, Bombay Hook and Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuges provide essential habitats for our wildlife and recreational opportunities for Delawareans and visitors from around the world. I am proud to lead this resolution in the commemoration of National Wildlife Refuge Week, and I look forward to continuing to support our rich and diverse ecosystems.”

“As a sportsman, I’m thankful for the role national refuges play in conserving Louisiana’s vibrant wildlife. Louisianians are natural stewards of the environment because we know how important our wetlands are for protecting our fish, waterfowl, and other species. National Wildlife Refuge Week gives everyone a chance to highlight America’s natural beauty and how we can preserve it together,” said Senator Kennedy.

With more than 568 refuges and 38 wetland management districts — located in every state and territory of the United States — the National Wildlife Refuge System contributes more than $3.2 billion to local economies annually and supports more than 41,000 jobs. 

In addition to Senators Coons and Kennedy, the resolution is cosponsored by Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Angus King (I-Maine), and Ben Cardin (D-Md.).

The text of the resolution is available here.