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2023 - 2024 LEGISLATURE
2023 ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTIO N 121
February 14, 2024 - Introduced by Representatives BILLINGS, OLDENBURG, DOYLE,
PRONSCHINSKE and TRANEL, cosponsored by Senators MARKLEIN, SMITH and
PFAFF. Referred to Committee on Rules.
***AUTHORS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***
Relating to: proclaiming June 7, 2024, as Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife
and Fish Refuge Day.
Whereas, the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge was
formed 100 years ago by legislative action to develop systematic evaluation and
management of this protected area for the future generations; and
Whereas, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Friends of Refuge organizations,
federal and state partners, and others work to conserve, protect, and enhance habitat
as a breeding ground for migratory birds, fish, other wildlife, and plants for the
continuing benefit of the American people; and
Whereas, the refuge has been designated as a Wetland of International
Importance by the Ramsar Convention and a Globally Important Bird Area; and
Whereas, the 240,000-acre refuge extends 261 miles along the Upper
Mississippi River from the confluence of the Chippewa River near Wabasha, MN, to
Princeton, IA, and crosses four states: Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the
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LRB-5772/1
CMH:amn
2023 - 2024 Legislature
Americans who live in the communities along the river depend on the river for
commerce, recreation, water supply, and environmental benefits; and
Whereas, the refuge hosts 3.7 million visitors annually and provides a variety
of wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities to the public, including
opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and
environmental education and interpretation; and
Whereas, the refuge addresses significant issues, including threatened and
endangered species, waterfowl migration, neotropical migratory birds, bottomland
hardwood restoration, cultural resources, public use, and forest fragmentation; now,
therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the members of the
Wisconsin Legislature proclaim June 7, 2024, as Upper Mississippi River National
Wildlife and Fish Refuge Day in the State of Wisconsin.
(END)
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