Supporting the designation of the week beginning on October 12, 2025, as "National Wildlife Refuge Week".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 820
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-10-17: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-08T20:25:53Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 820) expresses congressional support for designating the week beginning October 12, 2025, as "National Wildlife Refuge Week." It aims to recognize over a century of wildlife conservation efforts, raise public awareness about the National Wildlife Refuge System (a network of protected lands managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), and highlight its role in protecting wildlife, habitats, and providing recreational opportunities.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes a series of "Whereas" clauses providing background on the National Wildlife Refuge System, followed by a "Resolved" section outlining specific recognitions and encouragements:
- Background Highlights:
- Established in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt, the system now includes 573 refuges, 38 wetland districts, and 5 marine monuments across all U.S. states and territories, covering over 850 million acres of diverse habitats.
- Supports thousands of species, including over 380 threatened or endangered ones, and serves as primary habitat for waterfowl and migratory birds.
- Contributes to climate resilience, flood protection, wildfire risk reduction, and cultural preservation (e.g., Native American sites, WWII historical areas).
- Promotes co-stewardship with Tribes, Alaska Native groups, and Native Hawaiians; uses tools like invasive species control and fire management.
- Attracts 71 million annual visits, generating $3.2 billion for local economies and supporting 41,000 jobs; offers activities like hunting, fishing, birdwatching, education, and volunteering.
- Includes urban programs to engage underserved communities, fostering conservation coalitions and youth opportunities.
- Resolved Actions:
- Supports the designation of National Wildlife Refuge Week and encourages related events and activities.
- Recognizes refuges' roles in conservation, recreation, economic benefits, education, hunting/fishing traditions, urban inclusion, Tribal partnerships, and waterfowl protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (a federal law protecting migratory birds).
- Reaffirms congressional support for wildlife conservation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's management of the system for future generations.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or policies. It does not amend statutes, allocate funds, or create new obligations; instead, it symbolically endorses ongoing conservation efforts and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act without altering it.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Reinforces the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's role in refuge management, potentially encouraging increased public engagement and volunteerism (e.g., the 24,000 volunteers contributing 886,000 hours in FY 2025). No direct funding or regulatory changes.
- On Citizens: Raises awareness to promote visits, education, and recreation, benefiting families, hunters, fishers, birdwatchers, and urban/underserved communities by highlighting accessible nature experiences and economic returns (e.g., $5 economic return per $1 invested).
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it underscores U.S. commitments to biodiversity and migratory bird treaties, which involve international cooperation (e.g., with Canada and Mexico under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act).
- Overall, it could indirectly boost tourism, local economies, and conservation participation during the designated week, without enforceable effects.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Primary administrator of the refuge system, benefiting from heightened recognition and support for its programs.
- Local Communities and Businesses: Gateway towns near refuges gain from tourism and economic boosts; urban areas see improved access for diverse populations.
- Conservation and Recreation Groups: Including "Friends" organizations (180+ volunteer groups), hunters (2.7 million annual visits), fishers (8.4 million visits), and birdwatchers (44 million visits).
- Indigenous and Underserved Communities: Tribes, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and urban youth/residents, through co-stewardship, education, and inclusion initiatives like the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program.
- General Public and Wildlife: Benefits species protection and habitat conservation for current and future generations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no legal force and cannot override laws or executive actions; it merely expresses the House's views, similar to commendations for awareness weeks.
- Constitutional: Falls within Congress's implied powers under Article I to inform public policy and recognize national interests, without infringing on executive wildlife management authority.
- Political: Signals bipartisan support (introduced by members from both parties) for environmental conservation, potentially influencing future appropriations or legislation on wildlife issues. It promotes inclusivity (e.g., Tribal consultation, urban outreach) amid broader debates on public lands and equity, but remains symbolic without partisan controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (4)
Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1], Rep. Vasquez, Gabe [D-NM-2], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2]
Recent Actions
- 2025-10-17: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2025-10-17: Submitted in House
- 2025-10-17: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Supporting the designation of the week beginning on October 12, 2025, as "National Wildlife Refuge Week". — issued 2025-10-17 — PDF (8 pages)