HR0928LRB102 28650 ECR 40537 r

1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
3Representatives wish to honor and recognize the occasion of
4the 75th anniversary of the official opening of the Crab
5Orchard National Refuge; and
 
6    WHEREAS, The 44,000 acre refuge was established in 1947
7after its original function as a ordnance manufacturing plant
8producing ammunition and explosives for troops during World
9War Two came to an end; and
 
10    WHEREAS, The refuge contains three lakes, Crab Orchard
11Lake, Little Grassy Lake, and Devils Kitchen Lake, and
12contains 23,000 acres of land for recreational use, including
1321,000 acres dedicated as a wildlife preserve; and
 
14    WHEREAS, The refuge is home to a wide, diverse group of
15flora and fauna from Southern Illinois, including over 700
16plant species, 245 bird species, 33 mammal species, 63 fish
17species, and 44 reptile and amphibian species; the refuge is
18truly a sanctuary for all kinds of species; and
 
19    WHEREAS, The refuge also provides an endless amount of
20recreational opportunities for enjoying the natural beauty of
21the wildlife, including famous hiking trails, campgrounds open

 

 

HR0928- 2 -LRB102 28650 ECR 40537 r

1during all four seasons, fishing and swimming available from
2the bank or by boat, horseback riding, hunting, and archery;
3the refuge is for all those who love the natural beauty of the
4great outdoors; and
 
5    WHEREAS, For the last 75 years, the refuge's mission has
6been to administer, protect, and enhance the natural resources
7and ecosystem within its boundaries, and this mission will
8continue for the next 75 years and more; therefore, be it
 
9    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
10HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
11we congratulate the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge on
12its 75th anniversary of providing visitors the opportunity to
13enjoy the beauty and ecological wonders that Southern Illinois
14has to offer; and be it further
 
15    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
16presented to the director of the Crab Orchard National
17Wildlife Refuge as a symbol of our esteem and respect.