(Note: Kaptur's capers are compiled here, from October 2002 to April 2003. This is a chronology of an agenda that intends to keep the smokescreen of 'willing sellers' before the public, no matter how many farmers and other UNWILLING property owners are trod upon in the process.)

April 1, 2003

Washington, D.C. - The U.S. House of Representatives today approved legislation (H.R. 289) authored by Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) and Rep. John D. Dingell (D-MI) that will expand the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge and the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge along the Lake Erie shoreline to encompass more critical wildlife habitat.

"The House of Representatives has placed two more precious jewels on the green necklace of the Lake Erie shoreline, said Kaptur. "Expansion of these two important refuges will spur eco-tourism, benefiting the residents of Ohio and Michigan and protect our beautiful and indigenous wildlife."

"Today we are one step closer to implementing the keystones of our conservation vision for the Lake Erie shoreline," said Dingell. "It's a big win for conservationists, wildlife enthusiasts and the residents of Southeastern Michigan and Northern Ohio. The seven million ducks and geese that migrate through the area annually will be particularly grateful."

The innovative legislation encourages public-private partnerships for conservation and restoration of wildlife habitat along the Detroit River and southern shore of Lake Erie while placing special emphasis on the protection of private property rights. Landowners will have the opportunity to enter into cooperative management agreements, sell and even donate land to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, who will manage the refuge lands for public recreation, wildlife observation, hunting and fishing.

"There is precious little remaining undeveloped wildlife habitat along the Lake Erie Shoreline, and there is a great urgency to protect it," added Dingell. "Lake Erie is an invaluable resource that is essential to our economy, provides numerous recreational opportunities, and is central to our quality of life."

"We want families to enjoy the roller coasters at Cedar Point and then drive a few miles to see the bald eagles at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge," said Kaptur. "We want tourists to enjoy not only some of the greatest fishing in the world in the Central and Western basins of Lake Erie, but also some of the greatest bird-watching in the world at Ottawa and the Lake Erie Islands.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/oh09_kaptur/wildlifepassed.html

Kaptur Promotes Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge: Senior Members Testify for H.R. 289

February 13, 2003

Washington, D.C. - At a hearing this morning before the House Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans, Representatives John D. Dingell (MI-15) and Marcy Kaptur (OH-9) proposed to expand the boundaries of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge and the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. A similar bill expanding the refuges passed the House during the 107th Congress, but stalled in the Senate. With renewed energy, Kaptur and Dingell are advocating for passage of this legislation by cooperating with the House Resource Committee and Ohio and Michigan senators.

"This legislation provides a vehicle by which the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service could expand the geographic boundaries of the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and the Lower Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. It does not involve forced takings. All transactions would be completely voluntary," said Kaptur in the hearing today. "The legislation mirrors the comprehensive conservation plan that has been approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The legislation enjoys broad and deep support in our community and along the "North Coast' of Lake Erie."

"The establishment of the refuge is an essential component of our larger conservation vision: to see parks, recreation facilities and wildlife areas flourish alongside thriving industry on shoreline," Dingell said during his testimony before the Subcommittee. "There is a great urgency to protect remaining wildlife habitats before they are lost to further development and degradation. The Refuge is essential to sustain and enhance the quality of life of those living along the Detroit River and Lake Erie."

During the recent omnibus appropriations legislation, Kaptur secured $1.95 million for a new education center at the Ottawa refuge. Annual attendance is estimated to increase dramatically, opening the wonders of the Ottawa Refuge to literally millions of schoolchildren and families in the coming years. An additional $600,000 was appropriated for land acquisition at Ottawa.

The bill authorizes acquisition of refuge land for public management and stewardship by donation or from a willing seller.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/oh09_kaptur/refugehearing03.html

Kaptur Acquires Federal Funds for Ecotourism and Economic Development -- Education Center at Ottawa Refuge to Get $1.95 Million: Legislation Bans Drilling in Great Lakes

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur announced that the House of Representatives voted tonight to provide $1.95 million for construction of an education center at the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, $600,000 for additional land acquisition for the refuge, and several environmental projects to aid Lake Erie. Although the original House version of the appropriations bill included Kaptur's request for the funds, the Senate version did not, forcing her to push hard to keep it in the conference agreement that was forged early this week.

"I envision this center at the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge expanding our region's ecotourism," said Congresswoman Kaptur, who spearheaded efforts in Congress to obtain funding. "Ottawa is the only national refuge complex in the state. The education center will draw thousands upon thousands of visitors and provide a welcome boost to the local economy. What better way to complement a visit to Cedar Point than to learn about the natural habitat along the Lake Erie shoreline?"

Congresswoman Kaptur, a senior member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, noted that the refuge already attracts more than 120,000 visitors annually and pumps more than $5 million a year into the local economy. More than 10 million people live within a two hours' drive of the refuge.

Congresswoman Kaptur thanked the local community for working together with her on the long-awaited education center. "We have enjoyed a massive outpouring of support by the local community on this issue and other issues involving the refuge," Kaptur said. "Grassroots support was a big help in getting this earmark through Congress."

Kaptur also introduced provisions in the appropriations bill that would secure $500,000 for improvements to the Middle Bass Island ferry dock and $100,000 for beach and shoreline restoration on the Lake Erie Islands.

"The Islands are among the largest tourist attractions in Ohio. We must make sure these precious and unique ecosystems are not diminished as a result of overuse," said Kaptur.

Kaptur was successful in securing funds for harbor dredging projects throughout northern Ohio, specifically:

-$1.2 million for the annual dredging and maintenance of Sandusky Harbor

-$860,00 for dredging Huron Harbor

-$520,000 for harbor dredging of Toussaint River

-$205,000 for dredging Vermilion Harbor

"Commerce on Lake Erie is one of our region's greatest assets. We will continue to make the necessary investments to ensure continued prosperity and to create good, high-paying jobs in our region," said Kaptur.

As a result of cooperation among the members of the Ohio congressional delegation, including the Senate, $2 million for acquisition of land on North Lake Bass Island, $2.5 million for land acquisition in East Sandusky Bay, and a ban on oil and gas drilling in the Great Lakes were also included in the bill.

These appropriations, amounting to more than $10 million, were contained in the omnibus appropriations bill that was approved by the House tonight. The bill, which funds all federal government operations except for defense, will soon be taken up by the U.S. Senate. Kaptur said she is optimistic that both chambers will approve the bill. President Bush has threatened a veto over certain other provisions in the bill, but most observers believe he will sign the measure in the end.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/oh09_kaptur/Ottawavisitors.html

Kaptur & Dingell Introduce Bill to Expand Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge

January 8, 2003

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-9), the senior Democratic woman in the U.S. House of Representatives, and Congressman John Dingell (MI-15), Dean of the House, today resumed their efforts to expand the boundaries of the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge along the Lake Erie shoreline.

Last year, Kaptur and Dingell succeeding in getting the House to pass the bill during the closing hours of the 107th Congress. The Senate, however, failed to take up the measure. "I am confident that working together, Democrats and Republicans, House and Senate, we can get this measure enacted into law this year," said Kaptur. "We have great support at the local level, including from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources."

"We came within a whisker of getting this bill signed into law last year," Congressman Dingell said. "We start this new Congress with great momentum, and I anticipate that we will be successful."

In 2002, Kaptur submitted hundreds of letters from citizens throughout Northern Ohio in support of the expanded boundaries, which would extend from the eastern boundary of Maumee Bay State Park to the eastern boundary of the "Darby Unit" of national refuge in Ottawa County. The new boundaries would also include the Lake Erie Islands in Ohio, and stretch north, encompassing the shoreline of Monroe County, Michigan.

The bill would permit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a division of the Department of the Interior, to "facilitate the acquisition of property within the refuge complex." The federal government would be authorized to acquire property, by donation or purchase, within the newly expanded boundaries.

Dingell and Kaptur emphasize that their legislation does not permit forced takings of property. It permits only voluntary sales or donations. Cooperative management agreements would also be encouraged.

The bill also would expand the boundaries of the previously created Lower Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, which Congress created in 2001 under the leadership of Congressman Dingell. It encourages local, state and federal governmental bodies to work with individuals and non-governmental organizations, including sportsmen's groups, conservation organizations and private sector businesses. The Kaptur-Dingell bill describes the Great Lakes ecosystem, particularly the Western Basin of Lake Erie, as crucial to the economic future of the region. The refuge will also do much to protect the fish and wildlife habitats of the western basin.

U.S. Senator George Voinovich will introduce an identical measure in the U.S. Senate.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/oh09_kaptur/wildlife2003.html

Kaptur "Joyous" After House Approves Expanded Boundaries for Ottawa Refuge: Measure Now Moves to the Senate for Action

November 15, 2002

Washington, D.C. - In one of its final acts before adjourning for the year, the U.S. House of Representatives early Friday morning approved a measure authored and introduced by Ninth District Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur that would designate the western Lake Erie basin as a national site and expand the boundaries of the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge.

"We fought for passage right down to the wire," said a joyous Congresswoman Kaptur, who had introduced stand-alone legislation to incorporate and expand the refuge boundaries (H.R. 4722) earlier this year. "What a fine way to wrap up this session of Congress."

Kaptur called passage of the provision "a great boost to conservation efforts in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, a great moment in the 41-year history of the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, and a major accomplishment for the hundreds of people in our area who lent their support to our bill."

"Now it's up to the Senate to finish this important legislative business," said Kaptur.

Approval of the refuge expansion language came at 2:30 in the morning as a weary House finished business for the year. House Members cleared by unanimous consent an amendment to a Senate bill dealing with wildlife and conservation programs.

The provision approved by the House would expand the refuge boundaries from Maumee Bay State Park to the eastern edge of the current refuge complex, including the Lake Erie Islands. It would permit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages the refuge, to accept donations of land within the expanded boundaries.

The bill specifically states that any land conveyances shall be done through voluntary agreements, not forced takings. Furthermore, any new property added to the refuge complex would be managed in the same manner as current property.

"This will open the door to a new era of voluntary cooperation between business, government, individuals, conservation organizations and the entire community to maximize this interconnected system of islands, waterways, shoreline, nesting areas, conservation areas, and parks," said Congresswoman Kaptur. "In the end, the big winner is conservation."

Kaptur pointed out that these boundaries will link to the successful Lower Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, which was created last December. In less than one year, she said, the new refuge has received donations of property from National Steel's Great Lakes Division, which turned over Mud Island, and Chrysler Corporation, which donated up to 44 acres along the river. The Migratory Bird Commission has also approved a waterfowl grant to purchase Calf Island.

Congresswoman Kaptur had introduced H.R. 4722 in mid-May. It was referred to the Resources Committee's subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans, which held a hearing on the bill in mid-July. The Bush Administration testified in opposition to the bill due to a policy against expansion of existing refuges.

Kaptur continued working with Republicans and Democrats in the House to produce a provision that could pass Congress, saying she was hopeful the measure could still make it through the House, although time was running short.

Kaptur's provision is included in a bill being sent to the Senate today after last night's House action. Last month Senator George Voinovich (R-Ohio) introduced virtually identical legislation in the U.S. Senate (S. 3021). His bill was referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Congresswoman Kaptur this morning expressed thanks to her colleagues who helped shepherd the provision through the House, including Resources Chairman James Hansen (R-Utah), who is retiring at the end of the year, ranking member Nick Joe Rahall (D-West Virginia), subcommittee chairman Wayne Gilchrest (R-Maryland), subcommittee ranking member Robert Underwood (D-Guam), and her longtime college from southeast Michigan, John Dingell, the dean of the House of Representatives. "This would not have happened without their active support," she said.

She also thanked Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Sam Speck, who testified in favor of her original bill. Director Speck is the new chair of the Great Lakes Commission, a bi-national agency representing the Great Lakes states and provinces on matters of Great Lakes policy, research and management.

"The Great Lakes ecosystem, especially the Western Basin of Lake Erie, is crucial to the economic future of our region," Congresswoman Kaptur said. We need to protect this natural treasure and to enhance the fish and wildlife habitat in the basin. We can best do that by encouraging partnerships and working together."

The Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is within three hours driving range of 12 million people. More than 130,000 people visit the complex each year. Activities include environmental education, interpretive foot trails, photography, and wildlife observation. Ottawa NWR and the adjacent Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, are major stopovers for migrating songbirds. Birding activities contribute an estimated $5.6 million yearly to the local economy. Hunting and trapping are allowed by special permit and fishing is allowed at Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/oh09_kaptur/WildlifePassed.html

Kaptur Optimistic on Effort to Expand Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge

October 1, 2002

Washington, D.C. - Time is running short on the 107th Congress, but U.S. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-9) remains optimistic about her legislation to expand the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. "I'm still hopeful that we can get a bill through Congress during this session,” Kaptur said yesterday. "We are working closely with the committee leadership on the House side and also our friends on the Senate side to get something through this session. We have a real chance here to expand on years of hard work to nurture and protect the ecosystem around the Lake and create further recreational and economic opportunity as a result."

Kaptur is the author of H.R. 4722, a bill to expand the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge in Ohio and also to extend the southern boundary of the recently created Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge in southeastern Michigan.

The Kaptur bill would expand the Ottawa refuge boundary to encompass the Lake Erie shoreline from Maumee Bay State Park in northwestern Ohio to the eastern edge of the current refuge complex.

Kaptur introduced the bill in mid-May. It was referred to the Resources Committee's subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans. The subcommittee held a hearing on the bill in mid-July at which Ohio's Director of Natural Resources, the Nature Conservancy and several Ohioans testified. The Bush Administration testified in opposition to the bill due to a policy against expansion of existing refuges. Kaptur and her staff have been working with Republicans and Democrats in the House to produce a compromise that could pass Congress.

The Kaptur bill describes the Great Lakes ecosystem, particularly the Western Basin of Lake Erie, as crucial to the economic future of the region. It seeks to protect the fish and wildlife habitats of the western basin. It encourages partnerships between local, state and federal governmental entities.

Any property that is added to the refuge would be managed in the same manner as current property. The bill specifically states that any land conveyances shall be done through voluntary agreements, not forced takings.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/oh09_kaptur/WildlifeRefuge.html

Additional reading:

Kaptur's Press Release page

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/oh09_kaptur/~list.html

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Ottawa NWR

http://midwest.fws.gov/ottawa/ottawa.html