Rep. Ashley Hinson, U.S. Representative for Iowa's 2nd District | Official U.S. House headshot
Rep. Ashley Hinson, U.S. Representative for Iowa's 2nd District | Official U.S. House headshot
Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) joined conservationists and local stakeholders in Dubuque to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Established on June 7, 1924, the refuge spans over 250,000 acres, including parts of the Upper Mississippi River.
Hinson's prepared remarks highlighted her enthusiasm for the milestone: "I am so excited to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge with you."
She acknowledged Congress's role in establishing the refuge a century ago as a sanctuary for migratory birds, fish, and other wildlife. She expressed gratitude towards those who have contributed to conservation efforts in the region: "Many of you in this room live and breathe local conservation initiatives, and I appreciate your passion for ensuring our neighbors, visitors, outdoorsmen, and of course – future generations – can enjoy this remarkable, unique area."
Hinson introduced a resolution celebrating the refuge's contributions to both the ecosystem and regional economy. The resolution also recognizes local conservationists' work and encourages continued support for effective conservation practices.
"Lots of times Washington loves to come in with one size fits all plans or mandates that simply don’t make sense across state lines or different regions," Hinson stated. She praised local stakeholders for their collaboration with federal entities to preserve the Upper Mississippi ecosystem.
Hinson also mentioned efforts to reauthorize the Driftless Area Landscape Conservation Initiative, a public-private partnership aimed at helping farmers combat erosion and restore cold water stream corridors. "By re-establishing this beneficial program," she said, "we would provide Driftless Area farmers and landowners with tools to manage and restore working lands."
The congresswoman emphasized that tourism driven by activities like hunting, fishing, and hiking brings significant economic benefits to small rural communities. She concluded by looking forward to another century of preserving the refuge’s natural beauty.
Last Friday, Hinson introduced a resolution commemorating the 100th anniversary of the refuge and recognizing local conservation efforts.
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