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NWR SURVIVAL KIT – 2006
SAMPLE LETTER TO LAWMAKERS
The Honorable [FULL NAME]
United States Senate/House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20510 (Senate) / 20515 (House)
Dear Senator (Last Name):
Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms. (Last Name):
I respectfully ask that you increase stewardship funding for the National Wildlife Refuge System for FY 2007 to $415 million. While vitally important to our nation’s wildlife, refuges provide unparalleled opportunities to hunt, fish, watch wildlife and educate children about the environment. Without increased funding for refuges, wildlife conservation and public recreation opportunities will be jeopardized.
Currently, the National Wildlife Refuge System suffers from a $3.1 billion operations and maintenance stewardship funding backlog, which, if the current rate of funding continues, will only grow larger. Because of this, refuges such as ours, the [NAME OF REFUGE], struggle to meet even their most basic wildlife conservation objectives. In fact, funding shortfalls have led to the decline of refuge habitats and wildlife populations, aging facilities and infrastructure, the cancellation of many refuge public use programs and even increased crime on our public lands.
Even more troubling, some refuges may be forced to close their doors as a result of declining budgets. [INSERT INFORMATION IF YOUR REFUGE IS BEING COMPLEXED OR DE-STAFFED] Refuges are vital economic engines in the local economy, fueling hotel stays, restaurant patronage and much, much more. According to the 2004 report, Banking on Nature, by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, recreational visits to national wildlife refuges generate substantial economic activity. Nearly 37 million people visited national wildlife refuges in 2004, creating almost 24,000 private sector jobs and producing $454 million in employment income. Recreational spending on refuges generated nearly $151 million in tax revenue at the local, county, state and federal level. We simply cannot afford to lose these local economic engines.
As a member of the [NAME OF FRIENDS GROUP], I respectfully request that you increase funding for the National Wildlife Refuge System in FY07 to $415 million. I hope you will support the [NAME OF YOUR REFUGE] and others across the country by securing $415 million for the National Wildlife Refuge System in FY 2007.
Sincerely,
NAME
ADDRESS
CITY, STATE, ZIP
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