THOMPSON, WITTMAN INTRODUCE RESOLUTION DESIGNATING 2026 NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE WEEK

Washington - Representatives Mike Thompson (D-CA-04) and Robert Wittman (R-VA-01) introduced a resolution supporting the designation of the week beginning October 10, 2026 as National Wildlife Refuge Week.

The resolution celebrates the diversity of wildlife and habitats protected by the National Wildlife Refuge System and the many recreational opportunities these public lands provide, including hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, and photography. Since President Theodore Roosevelt established the first national wildlife refuge in 1903, the system has played a vital role in conserving wildlife, protecting threatened and endangered species, and preserving America's natural heritage for future generations.

"Our national wildlife refuges play a vital role in protecting wildlife and preserving America's natural heritage," said Thompson. "They safeguard wetlands, forests, and coastal areas, provide essential habitat for migratory birds and endangered species, and give Americans opportunities to enjoy hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation. National Wildlife Refuge Week celebrates the importance of these public lands and the need to conserve them for future generations."

"Virginia is home to many national wildlife refuges, " said Rep. Wittman. "In the First District, places like the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge protect critical habitat, support the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and preserve opportunities for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. I am proud to recognize National Wildlife Refuge Week alongside my colleagues as we work to support the health and conservation of these important sites and ecosystems so they can be enjoyed by future generations."

"National Wildlife Refuge Week is an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary places that sustain our nation's wildlife, connect people with nature, and preserve our natural heritage for future generations. We are grateful to Congress for recognizing the importance of the National Wildlife Refuge System and the dedicated people who care for these special places. This resolution is a meaningful reminder that wildlife refuges are a shared national treasure, and that protecting them is an investment in the health of our ecosystems, our communities, and generations to come," said Desirée Sorenson-Groves, President and CEO, National Wildlife Refuge Association.

The National Wildlife Refuge System includes 573 national wildlife refuges, 38 wetland management districts, and five marine national monuments spanning more than 850 million acres across every state and U.S. territory. The system supports hundreds of species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, and provides protection for more than 380 threatened and endangered species.

Thompson is a longtime outdoorsman and conservationist who has helped conserve nearly 5 million acres of North American wetlands and uplands through his legislative work and service on the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission.

National Wildlife Refuge Week recognizes the vital contributions of the National Wildlife Refuge System to wildlife conservation, outdoor recreation, local economies, and the preservation of America's natural resources.

In addition to Reps. Thompson and Wittman, the resolution's original cosponsors include Representatives Andre Carson (IN-07), Ed Case (HI-01), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Michael Guest (MS-03), Val Hoyle (OR-04), and Kevin Mullin (CA-15).

Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) and Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) will introduce a companion resolution in the Senate.

The full text of the resolution can be found here.

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Congressman Mike Thompson is proud to represent California's 4th Congressional District, which includes all or part of Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo Counties. He is a senior member of the House Committee on Ways and Means. Rep. Thompson is Chairman of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. He is also Co-Chair of the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Wine Caucus and a member of the fiscally-responsible Blue Dog Coalition.