IV 

118TH CONGRESS 

2D SESSION H. RES. 1281 

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Upper Mississippi River National 

Wildlife and Fish Refuge. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

JUNE 7, 2024 

Mrs. HINSON (for herself, Mr. SORENSEN, Mr. VAN ORDEN, Mr. LAHOOD, 

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS, and Mr. FINSTAD) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources 

RESOLUTION 

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Upper Mississippi 

River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. 

Whereas the Upper Mississippi River Basin is a critical ecosystem supporting diverse flora and fauna, including over 

300 species of birds, 50 species of mammals, over 100 

species of fish, and numerous species of reptiles and amphibians; 

Whereas the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and 

Fish Refuge was established on June 7, 1924, by an Act 

of Congress as a sanctuary for migratory birds, fish, and 

other wildlife; 

Whereas the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and 

Fish Refuge conserves more than 250,000 acres, encompassing vast stretches of the Upper Mississippi River and 


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•HRES 1281 IH 

its adjacent lands, providing essential habitat for wildlife 

and offering opportunities for outdoor recreation, public 

education, and scientific research; 

Whereas the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and 

Fish Refuge serves as a vital corridor for migratory 

birds, supporting millions of waterfowl and other avian 

species as they travel along the Mississippi Flyway, one 

of North America’s most significant migratory routes; 

Whereas the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and 

Fish Refuge plays a crucial role in conserving and restoring native habitats, including floodplain forests, wetlands, 

grasslands, and backwaters, contributing to the overall 

health and resilience of the Upper Mississippi River ecosystem; 

Whereas there are an estimated 4,000,000 visits annually to 

the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish 

Refuge for wildlife viewing, hunting, fishing, paddling, 

hiking, and other outdoor recreation generating 

$125,000,000 for the regional economy; 

Whereas the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and 

Fish Refuge serves as a living laboratory for scientific research and monitoring, contributing valuable data and insights into the ecology, hydrology, and management of 

large river systems and their associated habitats; and 

Whereas the stewardship and conservation efforts of the 

United States Fish and Wildlife Service, in collaboration 

with State agencies, Tribal nations, nonprofit organizations, volunteers, and local communities, have been instrumental in protecting and preserving the natural heritage of the Upper Mississippi River for future generations: Now, therefore, be it 


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•HRES 1281 IH 

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

2 (1) celebrates and honors the 100th anniversary 

3 of the establishment of the Upper Mississippi River 

4 National Wildlife and Fish Refuge and recognizes its 

5 significant contributions to wildlife conservation, 

6 habitat restoration, outdoor recreation, and scientific 

7 research; 

8 (2) recognizes the dedication of local conserva9 tionists to protect and preserve the Upper Mis10 sissippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge; 

11 and 

12 (3) encourages continued support for the con13 servation and management of the Upper Mississippi 

14 River ecosystem and the enhancement of public 

15 awareness and engagement in the stewardship of the 

16 region’s invaluable natural resources. 

Æ 


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