Stuart, Fla. – Today the United States House of Representatives passed legislation to rename the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge after Nathaniel “Nat” Reed, who passed away in July.  The renaming follows a successful effort by Rep. Mast to increase the size of Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge to protect additional land and endangered species. 

“Nathaniel Reed is a man I was proud to know and one of the most influential environmental leaders,” Rep. Mast said.  “Nat always ended every phone call by sending his sincerest best wishes.  Today, we send him our sincerest and remember his unwavering commitment to America’s Everglades and his service to our nation.”

Reed, who was 84 when he passed away, was a well-known and respected champion of restoring the Everglades.  An environmentalist who led conservation fights throughout the United States, Reed’s legacy includes protecting Big Cypress Swamp and successfully guiding the Endangered Species Act of 1973 into law. 

Both bills were supported in the Senate by Senators Marco Rubio (FL) and Bill Nelson (FL).  Rep. Mast spoke on the House Floor shortly following Reed’s passing to honor his legacy.    

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