A resolution commemorating the Centennial Anniversary of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

100 years ago tomorrow, President Theodore Roosevelt ordered that a small island in Florida's Indian River be forever protected as a ``preserve and breeding ground for native birds.'' With this simple promise of wildlife protection, the National Wildlife Refuge System was born. A century later, the refuge system has grown to include more that 530 refuges on more than 94 million acres with locations in every state.

Florida's National Wildlife Refuges have been fulfilling the promise of protecting wildlife for a full century. Pelican Island, the first refuge, is being restored to its original size so that birds may be able to find refuge there for the next hundred years. Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge in Titusville protects endangered sea turtles so they have an undisturbed place to lay their eggs. And, Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge in Naples is protecting our state animal, the Florida Panther, which is on the brink of extinction.

The National Wildlife Refuges in Florida have been protecting more than just animals. As part of the greater Everglades ecosystem, Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge and the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge are protecting both the wildlife and habitats that make up part of America's Everglades.

Florida is a destination for sportsmen and nature lovers throughout the world. Be they avid hunters or fishermen or tourists traveling to visit our unsurpassed beaches or the pristine beauty of Florida's interior, the National Wildlife Refuge System is part of the allure, with facilities and locations to cater to any person who wants to visit nature.

Nationwide, more than 35 million people visit national wildlife refuges to see some of the world's most amazing wildlife spectacles, or to fish, hunt, photograph nature, and learn about our natural and cultural history.

The centennial anniversary of the National Wildlife Refuge System is a time to celebrate these natural treasures and recognize their value to our society. Today there is a celebration of Pelican Island to commemorate this historic day. Throughout the year, there will be other celebrations in honor of 100 years of successful preservation. Because National Wildlife Refuges have been such an important part of the ecological preservation of our nation, I joined with my colleague from Florida, Senator Nelson, in sponsoring a resolution that would reaffirm the strong support that the National Wildlife Refuge System enjoys in this body.

National Wildlife Refuges are a key component of our nation's conservation network. Because of the establishment of the Refuge System, wildlife of all types have a safe place to live and human beings have a place to interact with the wildlife and nature in an ecologically responsible way. The National Wildlife Refuge System has had a successful 100 years and I hope we can continue to support the system so it prospers for the next 100 years.

Mr. President, I join my colleagues from Florida in commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the National Wildlife Refuge System. One hundred years ago, President Teddy Roosevelt established the first wildlife refuge, Florida's 3-acre Pelican Island. This small beginning has given rise to more than 500 National Wildlife Refuges throughout our country, demonstrating that Americans want unique places for wildlife to flourish and allow for recreation.

While Florida is home to the first refuge, my state of Vermont home to two refuges, the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge and the Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge.

The Missisquoi Refuge, founded in 1943, was established to provide a resting feeding area for migratory waterfowl, and as a general wildlife refuge. It spans 6,592 acres on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain. It is a mix of hardwood forests and open fields and home to the largest heron rookery in Vermont. More than 200,000 ducks converge on the refuge each fall and most of Vermont's black terns nest on the refuge. Osprey nest on the refuge and Missisquoi River and the shoreline of Lake Champlain provide outstanding fishing opportunities.

Our Silvio O. Conte Refuge, founded in 1997, is shared with New Hampshire and Massachusetts. It was established to protect the abundance and diversity of native species throughout the 7.2 million- acre Connecticut River watershed. In addition to protecting rare species, native plants and animals and their habitat, managers of this refuge are working with partners throughout New England to help control invasive species.

The wildlife and recreation opportunities provided by our refugees are made possible by the dedication of the Fish and Wildlife Service employees, who I could like to congratulate today. Without their expertise and dedication to providing visitors with hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, interpretation and environmental education opportunities, our refuge system would not be enjoying the success we are celebrating today. They provided this public service to more than 55,000 annual visitors at our 2 refugees and I hope that these classrooms of natural continue to provide children and adult alike a unique educational experience.

In addition, I would like to acknowledge the thousands of volunteers nationwide who give their time and expertise to making the National Wildlife Refuge experience a memorable one for all of us.

Congratulations to all involved in the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 87, introduced earlier today by Senator Nelson of Florida.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution and preamble be agreed to en bloc, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate, and that any statements relating to this measure be printed in the Record.