America's First National Wildlife Refuge to Host 100th Anniversary

January 30 -- On March 14, 2003, Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton will commemorate this conservation milestone in Sebastian, Florida, home to the first national wildlife refuge, Pelican Island.
[more]

February 20, 2002--In a speech at the National Press Club, Interior Secretary Gale Norton announced the appointment of a 19-member Centennial Commission who will join her in celebrating the 100th birthday of the National Wildlife Refuge System in 2003, and mapping out a plan to ensure that some of this country's greatest natural treasures can be enjoyed by all Americans for the next 100 years. [more]

Centennial Commission members are: 
[click here to read brief biographies]

• Ramona Seeligson Bass, Board of Directors, Fort Worth Zoo, and Director of the Texas Wild Campaign;
• Michael Bean, Wildlife Program Chairman, Environmental Defense;
• Peter Coors, Vice Chairman and CEO, Coors Brewing Company;
• Lynn Greenwalt, former Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service;
• Jack Hanna, host of television’s "Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures;"
• William P. Horn (Commission Chair), Counsel, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, and former Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish and Wildlife and Parks;
• Karl Malone, twelve-time NBA All-Star, Utah Jazz, and Olympic Gold Medalist;
• John L. Morris, CEO, Bass Pro and former Chairman of the Board, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation;
• Kym Murphy, Corporate Vice President of Environmental Policy, Walt Disney Company; 
• Daniel Pedrotti, former President, Boone and Crockett Club; and
• Steve Williams, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and
• Eight Members of Congress who serve as ex-officio members.