A resolution designating the week beginning on October 12, 2025, as "National Wildlife Refuge Week".
This Senate resolution designates the week beginning October 12, 2025 as “National Wildlife Refuge Week.” It is a symbolic, non-binding acknowledgment that highlights the National Wildlife Refuge System (administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), its role in conserving wildlife and habitats, and its social and economic benefits. The resolution emphasizes the system’s biodiversity, recreational uses, partnerships with Tribes and Native communities, and its role in climate resilience, wildfire risk reduction, and urban outreach. It encourages observance of the week through events and activities and reaffirms a commitment to ongoing wildlife conservation and responsible management for current and future generations. In short, the bill serves as a formal recognition and celebration of national wildlife refuges, their contributions to conservation and local economies, and their role in education, recreation, and community engagement—without creating new programs or funding obligations.
Key Points
- 1Designation of National Wildlife Refuge Week: The week starting October 12, 2025 is officially designated as National Wildlife Refuge Week, with encouragement for appropriate events and activities to observe it.
- 2Recognition of the Refuge System’s scope and purpose: The resolution highlights that the National Wildlife Refuge System, run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, exists to conserve and manage fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for current and future generations, and includes hundreds of refuges, wetlands districts, and marine units across the U.S.
- 3Emphasis on biodiversity and habitat protection: It underscores the refuges’ roles in protecting numerous species (birds, mammals, reptiles/amphibians, fish), protecting endangered and threatened species, and maintaining climate-resilient habitats.
- 4Community, economy, and recreation: The resolution notes the refuges’ economic impact (visitor spending, jobs), recreational opportunities (hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, education), and local community benefits.
- 5Tribal and urban engagement and co-stewardship: It recognizes collaboration with Tribes, Alaska Native groups, and Native Hawaiian communities, and highlights urban refuges’ role in engaging diverse urban communities through education, youth opportunities, and building trust in government.