Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Pat Toomey (R-PA), along with Congressmen Rob Wittman (R-VA) and Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), this week introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution to designate today, September 29, as National Urban Wildlife Refuge Day.
“Coloradans understand the importance of accessing the outdoors,” Bennet said. “The Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge was established not only to protect one of our nation’s most treasured species—the bald eagle—but also to provide opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing just outside of Denver. The celebration of National Urban Wildlife Refuge Day honors our nation’s foresight to conserve these places for future generations.”
The Urban Wildlife Conservation Program supports 101 National Urban Wildlife Refuges and 29 Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnerships that connect Americans living in cities with access to recreation, such as hunting and fishing. The resolution highlights the value Urban Wildlife Refuges add to communities by promoting conservation, increasing access to wildlife-dependent recreation, and protecting local watersheds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that youth ages 8-18 spend on average 6-9 hours a day in front of screens. Wildlife Refuges provide opportunities for children and people of all ages to discover and appreciate the outdoors.