HR929: HR929 Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge; 88th anniversary of its establishment; recognize

25 LC 112 3627 House Resolution 929 By: Representatives Burchett of the 176th and Corbett of the 174th A RESOLUTION Congratulating the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge upon the 88th anniversary of its1 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 Ok efenokee National Wildlife4 Refuge's 88th birthday; and5 WHEREAS, with more than 407,000 acres of land and water, the re fuge 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 acre s 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 - 1 - 25 LC 112 3627 WHEREAS, the refuge is a vital habitat for a wide variety of wi ldlife species, including14 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, incl uding 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 wi shes 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 avai lable for distribution to the29 public and the press.30 H. R. 929 - 2 -