Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 114 Part 2.djvu/421

 PUBLIC LAW 106-331—OCT. 19, 2000 114 STAT. 1303 Public Law 106-331 106th Congress An Act To provide for the establishment of the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge in Bibb County, Alabama. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the "Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge Estabhshment Act". SEC. 2. FINDINGS. The Congress finds the following: (1) The Cahaba River in Alabama is recognized nationally for its unique biological diversity which includes providing habitat for 131 species of fish (more than any other river its size in North America). (2) The Cahaba River is home to 64 rare and imperiled species of aquatic plants and animals, including fishes, freshwater turtles, mussels, and snails. (3) The Cahaba River is home to 12 species of fish, mussels, and snails listed as endangered or threatened species. (4) The Cahaba River is home to six terrestrial species of plants and animals listed as endangered or threatened species. (5) The Cahaba River harbors the largest population in the world of the imperiled shoals lily, known locally as the Cahaba Lily. (6) The Cahaba River watershed contains extremely rare plant communities that are home to eight species of plants previously unknown to science and a total of 69 rare and imperiled species of plants. (7) The Cahaba River is home to at least a dozen endemic aquatic animals that are found nowhere else in the world. (8) The Cahaba River is the longest remaining free-flowing river in Alabama, flowing through five counties in central Alabama. (9) The Cahaba River is recognized as an Outstanding Alabama Water by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. (10) The Cahaba River has high recreational value for hunters, anglers, birdwatchers, canoeists, nature photographers, and others. (11) The Cahaba River Watershed supports large populations of certain game species, including deer, turkey, and various species of ducks. Oct. 19, 2000 [H.R. 4286] Cahaba River National Wildlife Refiige Estabhshment Act 16 USC 688dd note.

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