Frank Pallone: “the overall purpose of this valuable legislation is to improve visitor services within our National Wildlife Refuge…”

“the overall purpose of this valuable legislation is to improve visitor services within our National Wildlife Refuge System. Annual public visitation to the refuge system is expected soon to surpass 40 million people. It is critical that we address the growing public use of refuge lands by ensuring that our refuges have facilities that are safe, well maintained, and inviting to the visiting public. But we should not forget that our refuge lands are set aside by statute exclusively for the benefit of fish and wildlife. I want to compliment the bill's sponsor, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Souder), and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Gilchrest), chairman of the Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans, for their respectful consultation throughout the process. I commend them for a final product that strikes an appropriate balance between public use and resource protection. The bill before the House will finally provide a comprehensive concession policy for our national wildlife refuges that will not detract from the 'wildlife first' mission of the system and which will provide new standards and incentives for concessionaires to enhance the visitor's experience.”