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| Representative Jim Saxton (R-NJ) co-chair of the refuge caucus addresses supporters of the Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus at the kick-off event on Capitol Hill. |
WASHINGTON, DC (Sep. 14, 2006) -- “The newly formed Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus demonstrates the type of bi-partisan cooperation that benefits both the public and our nation’s wildlife. We are confident that under the distinguished leadership of Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI), Jim Saxton (R-NJ), Michael Castle (R-DE), and Mike Thompson (D-CA) the newly formed Caucus can provide a platform for members of Congress to address the urgent needs of our nation’s wildlife refuges. The new caucus comes at a critical time, as chronic budget shortfalls threaten to undermine the protection and preservation of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
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| Evan Hirsche, National Wildlife Refuge Association; Rep. Ron Kind, co-chair of the Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus, and Dale Hall, Director of Fish and Wildlife Service talking after formal presentations. |
Due to repeated cuts in federal funding for the national Fish and Wildlife Service, many refuges across the country are understaffed, hundreds of refuges have cut or eliminated visitor services, and the USFWS could close selected refuges to save money. These cuts put public recreation programs including hunting, fishing and wildlife observation at risk, and native populations of wildlife could decline as invasive species continue to claim new territory.
The Caucus’ contributions to important refuge issues will help to ensure that adequate resources are directed towards the sustained growth of the National Wildlife Refuge System for future generations of Americans.”
Founded in 1935, The Wilderness Society has more than 300,000 members and supporters and is dedicated to protecting America’s wilderness and wildlife for future generations through public education, scientific analysis, and advocacy.
