February 14, 2024 - Introduced by Representatives Billings, Oldenburg, Doyle, Pronschinske and Tranel, cosponsored by Senators Marklein, Smith and Pfaff. Referred to Committee on Rules.
AJR121,,22Relating to: proclaiming June 7, 2024, as Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge Day. AJR121,,33Whereas, 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 AJR121,,44Whereas, 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 AJR121,,55Whereas, the refuge has been designated as a Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention and a Globally Important Bird Area; and AJR121,,66Whereas, 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 Americans who live in the communities along the river depend on the river for commerce, recreation, water supply, and environmental benefits; and AJR121,,77Whereas, 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 AJR121,,88Whereas, 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 AJR121,,99Resolved 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.
