Centennial Activities

In 2000, Congress passed the National Wildlife Refuge System Centennial Act, with overwhelming support among its Members. This law seeks to broaden public understanding of and appreciation for Refuge System by encouraging partnerships for their care and by strengthening the infrastructure of the 540 refuges; calls upon the Secretary of the Interior to appoint a Centennial Commission comprised of prominent American citizens and decision-makers; and tasks the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with developing a long-term plan to address the highest priority operations, maintenance and construction needs in the System.

In March 2002, Interior Secretary Gale Norton announced her appointments for the 10-member National Wildlife Refuge System Centennial Commission. The Commission will help the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service leverage resources with public and private partners to promote the Refuge System during its 100th anniversary. A centerpiece of the Commission's activities will be planning and hosting a national conference in October 2003.

"Like President Theodore Roosevelt who created the National Wildlife Refuge System nearly 100 years ago, President Bush is committed to protecting our valuable wildlife heritage now and for future generations," said Secretary Norton. "As we celebrate a century of conservation, I know that each Commission member will work hard to strengthen the National Wildlife Refuge System for the next hundred years. The President joins me in thanking them for their commitment to this important endeavor."

Centennial Special Events

Centennial Commission Members

	Ramona Seeligson Bass, Board of Directors, Fort Worth Zoo, and Director of the Texas Wild Campaign
	Michael Bean, Wildlife Program Chairman, Environmental Defense
	Peter Coors, Vice Chairman and CEO, Coors Brewing Company
	Lynn Greenwalt, former Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
	Jack Hanna, host of television's "Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures"
	William P. Horn, Counsel, Sportsmen's Alliance, and former Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish and Wildlife and Parks
	Karl Malone, twelve-time NBA All-Star, Utah Jazz, and Olympic Gold Medalist
	John L. Morris, CEO, Bass Pro and former Chairman of the Board, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
	Kym Murphy, Corporate Vice President of Environmental Policy, Walt Disney Company
	Daniel Pedrotti, former President, Boone and Crockett Club

 

Centennial Commission Members from Congress

	Senator James Jeffords (I-VT), Chairman, Committee on Environment and Public Works
	Senator Robert C. Smith (R-NH), Ranking Member, Committee on Environment and Public Works
	Representative James V. Hansen (R-UT), Chairman, Committee on Resources
	Representative Nick J. Rahall II (D-WV), Ranking Member, Committee on Resources
	Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS), Migratory Bird Conservation Commission
	Senator John Breaux (D-LA), Migratory Bird Conservation Commission
	Representative John D. Dingell (D-MI), Migratory Bird Conservation Commission and
	Representative Curt Weldon (R-PA), Migratory Bird Conservation Commission

The Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also serves as a member of the Centennial Commission.

For more information on Centennial programs, visit the National Wildlife Refuge System's Centennial site.