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.