HJ 641 IH
101st CONGRESS
2d Session
H. J. RES. 641
To designate October 1, 1990, through October 1, 1991, as the `Year of
the Wetlands'.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
August 3, 1990
Mr. HAYES of Louisiana (for himself and Mr. TAUZIN) introduced the following
joint resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Post Office and
Civil Service
JOINT RESOLUTION
To designate October 1, 1990, through October 1, 1991, as the `Year of
the Wetlands'.
Whereas wetlands areas are of great importance to both the environmental and
economic health of the Nation by providing the habitat essential to support
a variety of aquatic, avian, and terrestrial wildlife and the sustenance for
much of the Nation's commercial and recreational fisheries, by helping reduce
flood damage and mitigating water pollution, by providing homes and jobs for
United States citizens, and by supporting a number of valued recreational
opportunities and other public benefits;
Whereas the Nation has lost a significant portion of the wetlands believed to
be in existence in the contiguous United States when European settlement began;
Whereas losses of these wetlands persist and may even be increasing;
Whereas many public and private programs have been conducted over the last 2
decades to protect and manage valuable wetlands resources, but these programs
cannot be successful without the active participation of the American public;
Whereas 3 out of every 4 acres of wetlands in the continental United States
are in private ownership and it is therefore important for all Americans
to understand the critical roles which wetlands play in all States, the
diversity of wetlands in these States, and the proper means by which to
conserve wetlands;
Whereas the final report of the National Wetlands Policy Forum released
in November 1988 called for over 100 actions by Federal, State, and local
governments to enhance wetlands protection;
Whereas many of these proposed actions will be considered by Congress in
1990 and in future years; and
Whereas a period of special emphasis on wetlands conservation will expand
public awareness and knowledge of the importance and variety of wetlands
and their resources in our daily lives: Now, therefore, be it
  Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States
  of America in Congress assembled, That October 1, 1990, through October 1,
  1991, is designated as the `Year of the Wetlands', and the President is
  authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people
  of the United States to observe such period with activities which promote a
  better understanding and awareness of the Nation's critical and invaluable
  wetlands resources and the appropriate means by which all Americans may
  be good stewards of these resources.