A resolution designating September 29, 2020, as "National Urban Wildlife Refuge Day".

III 116TH CONGRESS 2D SESSION S. RES. 735 Designating September 29, 2020, as ‘‘National Urban Wildlife Refuge Day’’. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES SEPTEMBER 30 (legislative day, SEPTEMBER 29), 2020 Mr. GARDNER (for himself, Mr. BENNET, and Mr. UDALL) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating September 29, 2020, 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 opportuni- ties for residents to access nature and experience outdoor recreation; Whereas the National Wildlife Refuge System under the United States Fish and Wildlife Service manages 568 na- tional 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; VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:53 Oct 01, 2020 Jkt 099200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\SR735.ATS SR735 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS 2 •SRES 735 ATS 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 rec- reational 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 na- tional wildlife refuges, including recreational activities such as hunting and fishing; and Whereas by exploring community-centered approaches to ad- dress local needs, engaging the next generation of anglers and hunters, and providing infrastructure and safe ac- cess, the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program helps local organizations, cities, and towns across the United States engage in conservation activities: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate— 1 (1) designates September 29, 2020, as ‘‘Na- 2 tional Urban Wildlife Refuge Day’’; 3 (2) encourages the United States Fish and 4 Wildlife Service to increase access to outdoor rec- 5 reational opportunities for urban communities; and 6 VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:53 Oct 01, 2020 Jkt 099200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6201 E:\BILLS\SR735.ATS SR735 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS 3 •SRES 735 ATS (3) encourages the people of the United States 1 to visit and experience the more than 100 urban na- 2 tional wildlife refuges of the United States. 3 Æ VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:53 Oct 01, 2020 Jkt 099200 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6301 E:\BILLS\SR735.ATS SR735 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS