Sessions Co-Sponsors Resolution Supporting Wildlife Refuges

Press Release

U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL), a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Water and Wildlife, applauded the Senate for adopting a resolution last night in support of the National Wildlife Refuge System and designating next week as "National Wildlife Refuge Week."

"Alabama is blessed with ten outstanding national wildlife refuges," Sessions said. "Conservation of these areas is important to Alabamians today and will be of even greater significance to our children and grandchildren. During my time in the Senate, I have worked to support and expand refuges in Alabama. For instance, in 2003, we helped to establish the Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge on 9,000 acres at Fort McClellan. We also helped to create and expand the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge in Bibb County. I believe we need to be good stewards of the abundant natural resources with which we have been blessed. These refuges help us do that. They also support hunting, fishing, tourism, recreation, and other economic activities that support our state's economy. I am glad the Senate recognizes the national treasures we share in these places."

The first national wildlife refuge was established in Florida by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903. Today, Alabama is home to ten national wildlife refuges including Bon Secour NWR, Cahaba River NWR, Choctaw NWR, Eufaula NWR, Fern Cave NWR, Key Cave NWR, Mountain Longleaf NWR, Sauta Cave NWR, Watercress Darter NWR, and Wheeler NWR.

The resolution, S. Res. 288, passed in the Senate by unanimous consent late yesterday and was also co-sponsored by Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), who chairs the Subcommittee on Water & Wildlife. Other cosponsors include Senators Coons (D-DE), Alexander (R-TN), Cochran (R-MS), Murray (D-WA), Lieberman (I-CT), Reed (D-RI), Wyden (D-OR), Bingaman (D-NM), Whitehouse (D-RI), Udall (CO-D), Brown (R-MA), and Collins (R-ME).

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