The National Wildlife Refuge System Centennial Act (H.R. 4442) would create a commission to plan centennial activities to draw awareness to our nation’s wildlife refuges. The bill would provide for the development of a long-term plan to ensure that visitor centers and public facilities are equipped to handle the growing number of visitors. The commission would disband by October 2004.

“The national refuge program has played a vital role over the last century in helping to preserve our nation’s natural resources and protect our endangered wildlife,” Jones said.  “This legislation provides Congress an opportunity to evaluate the program and provide a plan to meet the growing demands that our national wildlife refuges will face in the 21st century.” 

The refuge system was established in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt to preserve Pelican Island, Fla. in its natural state as a refuge for wildlife from encroaching development.  Today, the National Wildlife Refuge System is comprised of more than 93,000,000 acres of Federal lands managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in more than 520 separate refuges and 38 wetland management districts all 50 states and U.S. territories. 

 Currently, North Carolina is home to ten national wildlife refuges: Alligator River in Dare County, Pea Island in Dare County, Mackay Island in Currituck County, Currituck in Currituck County, Mattamuskeet in Hyde County, Cedar Island in Carteret County, Swanquarter in Hyde County, Pee Dee in Anson County, Pocosin Lakes in Washington County, and Roanoke River in Bertie County. 

The National Wildlife Refuge System serves a critical role in the conservation of millions of migratory birds, endangered species and threatened species, fish, marine mammals, and their habitats. Each year the System provides millions of Americans with opportunities to participate in wildlife-dependent recreation, including hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation.