25 LC 112 3627
House Resolution 929
By: Representatives Burchett of the 176
th
and Corbett of the 174
th
A RESOLUTION
Congratulating the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge upon the 88th anniversary of its
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establishment; and for other purposes.2
WHEREAS, officially established on March 30, 1937, as a refuge and breeding ground for3
migratory birds and other wildlife, this year represents the Okefenokee National Wildlife4
Refuge's 88th birthday; and5
WHEREAS, with more than 407,000 acres of land and water, the refuge is the largest6
national wildlife refuge east of the Mississippi River, serving as the headwaters for both the7
Suwannee and St. Marys rivers; and8
WHEREAS, the Okefenokee represents the largest and best-preserved precipitation-based9
freshwater wetland ecosystem in the United States, 353,000 acres of which have been10
designated as a Wilderness Area; and11
WHEREAS, the swamp's undisturbed peat beds preserve thousands of years of land history12
and store carbon, contributing to both ecological and historical conservation; and13
H. R. 929
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WHEREAS, the refuge is a vital habitat for a wide variety of wildlife species, including
14
several that are threatened or endangered, such as the red-cockaded woodpecker, wood stork,15
and eastern indigo snake; and16
WHEREAS, the refuge further supports the restoration of longleaf pine, a native species in17
steep decline across the southeastern United States; and18
WHEREAS, the Okefenokee is home to over 850 plant species, including 18 species of19
carnivorous plants, as well as more than 120 miles of land and water trails for walking,20
biking, or paddling; and21
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this remarkable refuge be appropriately22
honored during this special time.23
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that24
the members of this body congratulate the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge upon the25
88th anniversary of its establishment as well as extend best wishes for its continued26
conservation and success.27
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized28
and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the29
public and the press.30
H. R. 929
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