For example, since 1973, the Endangered Species Act has helped prevent the extinction of our nation's wildlife treasures including beloved symbols of America such as the bald eagle, the Florida manatee and the California condor.

Only nine of the more than 1800 plants and animals currently protected by the act worldwide have been declared extinct, an astonishing success rate.

The Endangered Species Act provides added benefits to people by maintaining healthy natural systems that provide us with clean air and water, food, medicines and other products that we all need to live healthy lives.

We owe it to our children and grandchildren to be good stewards of the environment and leave behind a legacy of protecting endangered species and the special places they call home.