Number: 2004-04
WHEREAS, the Yazoo-Mississippi Delta, located in Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Leflore, Sharkey, Warren, Washington, and Yazoo Counties, Mississippi, popularly known as the Lower Delta, is of critical importance to the Louisiana black bear, over 350 species of birds, aquatic life, and a wide array of other species associated with river basin ecosystems; and
WHEREAS, the bottomland hardwood forests of the Lower Delta have been significantly cleared; and
WHEREAS, reforestation and restoration of native habitat will benefit a host of species; and
WHEREAS, the Lower Delta is a part of a major continental migration corridor for migratory birds funneling through the mid-continent from as far north as the Arctic Circle and as far south as South America; and
WHEREAS, the Lower Delta offers extraordinary recreational, research, and educational opportunities for students, scientists, bird watchers, wildlife observers, hunters, anglers, trappers, hikers, and nature photographers; and
WHEREAS, the Lower Delta is an internationally significant environmental resource that has been neglected and requires active restoration and management to protect and enhance the value of the region as a habitat for fish and wildlife; and
WHEREAS, the Lower Delta’s existing natural, historical, and cultural assets and environmental restoration potential may provide for a large component of the economic revitalization of the area; and
WHEREAS, Holt Collier, the legendary African American hunting guide, was a resident of Washington County; and
WHEREAS, Holt Collier led the hunt in 1902 in this area in which Theodore Roosevelt refused to kill the injured bear, and
WHEREAS this incident led to the creation of the Teddy Bear; and
WHEREAS, revenue sharing paid to the county by the national Wildlife Refuge System will be greater than taxes or payment in lieu of taxes paid by other state and federal agencies,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation and its affiliates, assembled in annual meeting March 11-13, 2004, in St. Louis, Missouri, support the establishment of the Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge and the Holt Collier Interpretation and Education Center in the Lower Delta of Mississippi.