Sponsors (15)
The resolution expands conservation, recreation, education, and hazard-reduction benefits from the National Wildlife Refuge System for millions of Americans while committing federal resources and management priorities that may restrict some land uses, raise taxpayer costs, and require additional management and consultation to handle visitor impacts and co-stewardship.
Millions of visitors and nearby communities benefit from recreation and tourism tied to the Refuge System (nearly 71 million annual visits), supporting local economies and businesses.
The resolution supports conservation of habitat and protection for 380+ threatened or endangered species and hundreds of other wildlife species, helping preserve biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Refuge management actions (fire control, invasive species removal, water management) reduce wildfire and flood risks to nearby communities, improving public safety and resilience.
Maintaining and managing large refuge lands requires federal funding, which could increase taxpayer costs or force tradeoffs with other budget priorities.
Recognizing and sustaining Refuge System priorities may limit certain land uses for nearby landowners or industries, constraining local economic activities or development options.
Expanded public access and recreation without matching management resources could increase visitor impacts (crowding, habitat disturbance) near population centers.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Designates the week beginning October 12, 2025, as National Wildlife Refuge Week and recognizes the Refuge System’s scope, conservation work, and public benefits.
Introduced October 9, 2025 by Christopher A. Coons · Last progress October 15, 2025
Designates the week beginning October 12, 2025, as National Wildlife Refuge Week and formally recognizes the scale, conservation work, public benefits, and partners of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The text summarizes the System’s size, species protected (including threatened and endangered species), recreation and economic contributions, historical origins, program tools, Tribal and Indigenous engagement, volunteer contributions, and the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program.