April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 5 6517 I support H.R. 3513. the southern coast of Oregon, and designate et seq.), the following Federal lands within I reserve the balance of my time. more than 11 additional miles of the river as the Monongahela National Forest in the Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield either wild or scenic under the Wild and Sce- State of West Virginia are designated as wil- myself such time as I may consume, derness and as either a new component of the nic Rivers Act. National Wilderness Preservation System or and I will simply rise to say this: I be- The Copper Salmon area contains one of as an addition to an existing component of lieve that Chairman RAHALL has ade- the Nation’s largest remaining stands of low- the National Wilderness Preservation Sys- quately described this bill. elevation old-growth forest and in the north tem: I reserve the balance of my time. fork of the Elk, one of the healthiest salmon, (1) Certain Federal land comprising ap- Mr. RAHALL. I have no further re- steelhead, and cutthroat trout runs in the con- proximately 5,144 acres, as generally de- quests for time. We’re ready to yield tinental United States. picted on the map entitled ‘‘Big Draft Pro- back if the gentleman from Tennessee Mr. Speaker, I cannot talk about the health posed Wilderness’’ and dated March 11, 2008, is. of this great river without calling attention to which shall be known as the ‘‘Big Draft Wil- Mr. DUNCAN. I have no further the fact that the Pacific Coast salmon fisher- derness’’. (2) Certain Federal land comprising ap- speakers, and I yield back the balance men face one of the largest salmon fishery proximately 11,951 acres, as generally de- of my time. closures ever recorded in the United States. It picted on the map entitled ‘‘Cranberry Ex- Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in is legislation like this that makes us realize the pansion Proposed Wilderness’’ and dated strong support of H.R. 3513, the Copper importance of looking into the future and to March 11, 2008, which shall be added to and Salmon Wilderness Act. move in a direction that not only protects the administered as part of the Cranberry Wil- The Copper Salmon Wilderness Act would fish, but also the local economy by providing derness designated by section 1(1) of Public permanently protect nearly 13,000 acres in the habitat for more fish to flourish and survive Law 97–466 (96 Stat. 2538). headwaters of the Elk River on the southern into adulthood. (3) Certain Federal land comprising ap- Mr. Speaker, it was poor natural resource proximately 7,156 acres, as generally de- coast of Oregon, and designate more than 11 picted on the map entitled ‘‘Dolly Sods Ex- additional miles of the river as either Wild or management that has helped to create our re- pansion Proposed Wilderness’’ and dated Scenic under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. cent salmon disasters and this bill offers a March 11, 2008, which shall be added to and This legislation would protect some of the last chance to head in another direction. The Or- administered as part of the Dolly Sods Wil- remaining stands of Port-Orford-cedar in the egon delegation and their friends in California derness designated by section 3(a)(13) of Pub- Elk River watershed, which has the distinction and Washington have worked hard, and lic Law 93–622 (88 Stat. 2098). as one of the most productive salmon and worked collectively to make sure that both (4) Certain Federal land comprising ap- steelhead rivers outside of Alaska. This is rug- salmon and our fishermen are protected. proximately 698 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ‘‘Otter Creek Expansion ged, wild territory, and I am hopeful that it may I would like to thank you, Mr. Speaker, for your assistance in the past for disaster relief Proposed Wilderness’’ and dated March 11, finally become wilderness in the 110th Con- 2008, which shall be added to and adminis- gress: funds for our 1,200 salmon fishermen. I ask tered as part of the Otter Creek Wilderness Renowned among fishermen, the Elk River that you keep a watchful eye this season as designated by section 3(a)(14) of Public Law watershed is one of the last intact watersheds the salmon fishermen of the Pacific face an- 93–622 (88 Stat. 2098). on the southwest Oregon Coast and is widely other closed season, another disaster declara- (5) Certain Federal land comprising ap- regarded as Oregon’s last, best coastal salm- tion, and lost revenue. proximately 6,792 acres, as generally de- on and steelhead stream. Oregon State Uni- Mr. RAHALL. I yield back the bal- picted on the map entitled ‘‘Roaring Plains versity researchers have concluded that the ance of my time. Proposed Wilderness’’ and dated March 11, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The 2008, which shall be known as the ‘‘Roaring Elk River is one of the healthiest habitats in Plains West Wilderness’’. the lower 48 states for anadromous fish, and question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. (6) Certain Federal land comprising ap- the stream is home to chinook salmon, winter proximately 6,030 acres, as generally de- steelhead, coho salmon, cutthroat trout, and RAHALL) that the House suspend the picted on the map entitled ‘‘Spice Run Pro- rainbow trout. rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3513, as posed Wilderness’’ and dated March 11, 2008, One of the things about this legislation amended. which shall be known as the ‘‘Spice Run Wil- about which I am most proud is that diverse The question was taken; and (two- derness’’. stakeholders have been working together for thirds being in the affirmative) the (b) MAPS AND LEGAL DESCRIPTION.— rules were suspended and the bill, as (1) FILING AND AVAILABILITY.—As soon as more than a decade to gain broad support for practicable after the date of the enactment protecting the Copper Salmon area. H.R. 3513 amended, was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, enjoys backing from Curry County Commis- the table. acting through the Chief of the Forest Serv- sioners, local elected officials, the local Cham- ice, shall file with the Committee on Natural ber of Commerce, hunting and fishing groups, f Resources of the House of Representatives tribes, the timber industry, and all local con- WILD MONONGAHELA ACT: A NA- and the Committee on Energy and Natural servation groups. This is a model for the com- TIONAL LEGACY FOR WEST VIR- Resources of the Senate a map and legal de- munity-based consensus approach to desig- scription of each wilderness area designated GINIA’S SPECIAL PLACES or expanded by subsection (a). The maps and nating wilderness. Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I move to legal descriptions shall be on file and avail- Copper Salmon is truly a rare coastal Or- suspend the rules and pass the bill able for public inspection in the office of the egon gem. It is almost entirely intact ancient (H.R. 5151) to designate as wilderness Chief of the Forest Service and the office of forest, which supports healthy fish runs and additional National Forest System the Supervisor of the Monongahela National great elk herds, blacktailed deer, bears, and lands in the Monongahela National Forest. other wildlife. It is adjacent to the existing (2) FORCE AND EFFECT.—The maps and legal Forest in the State of West Virginia, descriptions referred to in this subsection Grassy Knob Wilderness, and combined, and for other purposes, as amended. these two areas will be one of the largest in- shall have the same force and effect as if in- The Clerk read the title of the bill. cluded in this Act, except that the Secretary tact areas of forest in the Coast Range. This The text of the bill is as follows: may correct errors in the maps and descrip- is an area that deserves protection for the en- H.R. 5151 tions. joyment of future generations. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- (c) ADMINISTRATION.—Subject to valid ex- I am a proud advocate of protecting the resentatives of the United States of America in isting rights, the Federal lands designated as Copper Salmon area, and urge my colleagues Congress assembled, wilderness by subsection (a) shall be admin- to join me in the passage of H.R. 3513, the SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. istered by the Secretary in accordance with Copper Salmon Wilderness Act. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Wild the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.). Mr. WU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support Monongahela Act: A National Legacy for The Secretary may continue to authorize the West Virginia’s Special Places’’. competitive running event permitted from of H.R. 3513, the Copper Salmon Wilderness 2003 through 2007 in the vicinity of the Act. This bill, introduced by my friend, col- SEC. 2. DESIGNATION OF WILDERNESS, MONONGAHELA NATIONAL FOREST, boundaries of the Dolly Sods Wilderness ad- league and Dean of the Oregon delegation, WEST VIRGINIA. dition designated by paragraph (3) of sub- Mr. DEFAZIO, would set aside nearly 13,000 (a) DESIGNATION.—In furtherance of the section (a) and the Roaring Plains West Wil- acres in the headwaters of the Elk River on purposes of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 derness Area designated by paragraph (5) of

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:04 Nov 03, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H22AP8.000 H22AP8 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD 6518 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 5 April 22, 2008 such subsection, in a manner compatible of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary Beth Little, Mayor John Manchester of with the preservation of such areas as wil- of Agriculture, in accordance with applicable Lewisburg, West Virginia, Bob Bittner, derness. law, may consider converting the road to Jr., Mike Price, as well as the Rev- (d) EFFECTIVE DATE OF WILDERNESS ACT.— nonmotorized uses to enhance recreational erend Sparks. And there are many oth- With respect to the Federal lands designated opportunities within the Monongahela Na- as wilderness by subsection (a), any ref- tional Forest. ers with whom I’ve hiked and with who I’ve worked on this legislation for erence in the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- which time will not allow me to name et seq.) to the effective date of the Wilder- ant to the rule, the gentleman from ness Act shall be deemed to be a reference to them all. West Virginia (Mr. RAHALL) and the the date of the enactment of this Act. I would also like to express my ap- gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. DUN- (e) FISH AND WILDLIFE.—As provided in sec- preciation to the Monongahela Na- tion 4(d)(7) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. CAN) each will control 20 minutes. tional Forest Supervisor, Clyde 1133(d)(7)), nothing in this section affects the The Chair recognizes the gentleman jurisdiction or responsibility of the State of from West Virginia. Thompson, as well as to Sammie West Virginia with respect to wildlife and Lammie, for his excellent map making. GENERAL LEAVE fish. And finally, to the Governor of West Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I ask SEC. 3. BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT, LAUREL FORK Virginia, Joe Manchin, and to the Divi- unanimous consent that all Members SOUTH WILDERNESS, MONONGA- sion of our Natural Resources Director, HELA NATIONAL FOREST. may have 5 legislative days in which to Frank Jezioro. We have and will con- (a) BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT.—The boundary revise and extend their remarks and in- tinue to work to ensure that appro- of the Laurel Fork South Wilderness des- clude extraneous material on the reso- priate wildlife management activities ignated by section 1(3) of Public Law 97–466 lution under consideration. can take place in the areas designated (96 Stat. 2538) is modified to exclude two par- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there cels of land, as generally depicted on the by this bill. map entitled ‘‘Monongahela National Forest objection to the request of the gen- tleman from West Virginia? Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Laurel Fork South Wilderness Boundary exchange of letters for the RECORD. Modification’’ and dated March 11, 2008, and There was no objection. more particularly described according to the Mr. RAHALL. Today, it is my privi- HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, site-specific maps and legal descriptions on lege to bring to the floor of the House COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, Washington, DC, April 17, 2008. file in the office of the Forest Supervisor, of Representatives the ‘‘Wild Monongahela National Forest. The general Hon. NICK J. RAHALL II, Monongahela Act: A National Legacy Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources, map shall be on file and available for public for West Virginia’s Special Places.’’ inspection in the Office of the Chief of the Longworth House Office Building, Wash- Forest Service. This legislation is supported by the ington, DC. (b) MANAGEMENT.—Federally owned land entire West Virginia delegation: In this DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: On April 2, 2008 the delineated on the maps referred to in sub- body, my colleagues Representatives Committee on Natural Resources favorably section (a) as the Laurel Fork South Wilder- ALAN MOLLOHAN and SHELLEY MOORE reported an amended version of H.R. 5151, the ness, as modified by such subsection, shall CAPITO, and in the other body, our Sen- ‘‘Wild Monongahela Act: A National Legacy for West Virginia’s Special Places.’’ As you continue to be administered by the Sec- ators, ROBERT C. BYRD and JAY ROCKE- retary of Agriculture in accordance with are aware, the bill was primarily referred to FELLER. Committee of Natural Resources, while the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.). Any The pending measure would des- reference in the Wilderness Act to the effec- Agriculture Committee received an addi- tive date of that Act shall be deemed to be a ignate 37,771 acres of Federal land as tional referral. reference to the effective date of Public Law wilderness within the Monongahela Na- H.R. 5151 seeks, among other policy objec- 97–466 and this Act. tional Forest. tives, to designate as ‘‘wilderness’’ certain SEC. 4. MONONGAHELA NATIONAL FOREST Included in this legislation is the ex- Federal Lands within the Monongahela Na- BOUNDARY CONFIRMATION. pansion of three existing wilderness tional Forest in the State of West Virginia. The boundary of the Monongahela Na- areas: Cranberry, Dolly Sods and Otter Clause 1(a) of Rule X confers upon the Agri- tional Forest is confirmed to include the Creek. Additionally, three new wilder- culture Committee jurisdiction over bills re- tracts of land as generally depicted on the lating to forestry in general and forests ness areas would be established: The other than those created from the public do- map entitled ‘‘Monongahela National Forest Big Draft, the Roaring Plains West, Boundary Confirmation’’ and dated March main. In the past, the Committee on Agri- 13, 2008, and all Federal lands under the ju- and Spice Run. culture has worked cooperatively with the risdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture, The issue of wilderness has cap- Committee on Natural Resources regarding acting through the Chief of the Forest Serv- tivated many Americans since the pas- matters that generally concern forestry. ice, encompassed within such boundary shall sage of the Wilderness Act in 1964. Ac- It is my understanding that the Committee be managed under the laws and regulations cording to this landmark statute, these on Natural Resources wishes to have the pertaining to the National Forest System. are places ‘‘where the Earth and its House of Representatives consider the bill SEC. 5. ENHANCED TRAIL OPPORTUNITIES. community of life are untrammeled by next week. Given the need to expedite this (a) PLAN.— legislation, I will agree to discharge H.R. man, where man himself is a visitor 5151 from further consideration by the Com- (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Agri- who does not remain.’’ culture, in consultation with interested par- mittee on Agriculture. I do so with the un- ties, shall develop a plan to provide for en- To be in a wilderness area is, to me, derstanding that this action in no way hanced nonmotorized recreation trail oppor- truly a humbling experience. To be waives the Committee on Agriculture’s juris- tunities on lands not designated as wilder- part of designating wilderness is even dictional interests in the subject matter of ness within the Monongahela National For- more humbling because wilderness is the legislation or serves as a precedent for est. an effort to retain the landscape as God future referrals. Furthermore, in the event a (2) NONMOTORIZED RECREATION TRAIL DE- has created it. House-Senate conference is requested on this FINED.—For the purposes of this subsection, matter, the Committee on Agriculture re- As the Reverend Dennis Sparks, Ex- serves the right to seek the appointment of the term ‘‘nonmotorized recreation trail’’ ecutive Director of the West Virginia means a trail designed for hiking, bicycling, conferees. and equestrian use. Council of Churches wrote to me, and I I ask that you insert a copy of our ex- (b) REPORT.—Not later than two years quote, ‘‘We believe that carefully pro- change letters into the Congressional Record after the date of the enactment of this Act, tecting this wonderful national forest during consideration of this measure on the the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to and its wilderness-quality lands not House floor. Congress a report on the implementation of only has a sound biblical basis, but is Thank: you very much for your courtesy in the plan required under subsection (a), in- also the best and most practical course this matter and I look forward to continued cluding the identification of priority trails of action for safeguarding the world cooperation between the Committee on Nat- for development. which we will pass along to our chil- ural Resources and the Committee on Agri- (c) CONSIDERATION OF CONVERSION OF FOR- culture as we deal with forestry issues in the EST ROADS TO RECREATIONAL USES.—In con- dren.’’ future. sidering possible closure and decommis- A great many people have worked to Sincerely, sioning of a Forest Service road within the make this legislation possible: Matt COLLIN C. PETERSON, Monongahela National Forest after the date Keller, Dave Saville, Mary Wimmer, Chairman.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:04 Nov 03, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H22AP8.000 H22AP8 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 5 6519 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, ness areas including: Big Draft, Cran- strictive policy we can impose on an COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, berry Expansion, Dolly Sods Expan- area, and there are often far better, Washington, DC, April 18, 2008. sion, Dry Fork Expansion, Roaring more creative ways to conserve our for- Hon. COLLIN C. PETERSON, Plains West and Spice Run. ests and other natural areas. In many Chairman, Committee on Agriculture, Long- worth H.O.B., Washington, DC. West Virginia’s national forest pro- instances, it is a mistake to foreclose DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Thank you for your vides an excellent outdoor experience active management options that can letter on April 18, 2008, indicating jurisdic- with our State’s majestic mountains, improve fish and game habitat, in- tional interests in H.R. 5151, the ‘‘Wild winding rivers and superb hunting, crease recreational access and lessen Monongahela Act: A National Legacy for camping, fishing, backpacking and the severity of wildfires. And to pro- West Virginia’s Special Places.’’ As you are other activities. Protecting these addi- tect our economic well-being, provide aware, the Committee on Natural Resources tional acres of pristine forest will en- jobs for young people and protect our favorably reported an amended version of the sure that future generations will be bill on April 2, 2008, and would like to have national security, our country is going the House of Representatives consider the able to enjoy the natural beauty of our to need continued access to the rich re- legislation next week. home State of West Virginia. sources our own public lands provide. I acknowledge your jurisdictional interests Over the last several months I’ve en- We now have over 100 million acres in in the bill, and note that the Committee on gaged in discussion with many of my wilderness areas, and we keep adding Natural Resources and the Committee on constituents, many whom are avid to that at a record level. And we are Agriculture have had a history of working hunters, anglers, mountain bikers and very close to getting to the point cooperatively on matters that generally con- outdoorsmen who have a unique and where that’s beginning to hurt us eco- cern forestry. I appreciate your willingness to discharge the bill without further consid- vested interest in the impact of the nomically at a time when we don’t eration by the Agriculture Committee and wilderness designation on their local need more blows to our economy. understand that this action will in no way community. The people of this area are Nevertheless, I do wish the people of waive your Committee’s jurisdictional inter- well acquainted with wilderness, and West Virginia good luck living around ests in the subject matter of the legislation H.R. 5151 reflects their desire to pre- these wilderness areas, and I know that or serve as a precedent for future referrals. serve their natural treasures, while they, like the people of my State, will Furthermore, in the event that a con- maintaining important flexibility for in the long run prove to be better ference with the Senate is requested on this the local residents. matter, I would support naming Agriculture guardians of their mountains, rivers Committee members to the conference com- Mr. Speaker, this bill is vitally im- and wildlife than bureaucrats in Wash- mittee. A copy of our exchange letters re- portant to guaranteeing that future ington. garding this bill will be inserted into the generations of Americans can experi- I yield back the balance of my time. Congressional Record during floor consider- ence the natural wonder and beauty of Mr. RAHALL. I yield back, Mr. ation. West Virginia. I applaud Chairman RA- Speaker. Thank you for your courtesy in this mat- HALL and his staff for all of their hard The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ter and I look forward to continued coopera- work on this bill and all those in West tion between our respective Committees as question is on the motion offered by we deal with forestry issues in the future. Virginia who have seen it come to this the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. With warm regards, I am point. RAHALL) that the House suspend the Sincerely, I encourage my colleagues to support rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5151, as NICK J. RAHALL II, the legislation, and I encourage each of amended. Chairman. them to experience firsthand the pris- The question was taken. I reserve the balance of my time. tine natural beauty of West Virginia The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, at this and the Mon National Forest. opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being time I yield such time as she may con- Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I have no in the affirmative, the ayes have it. sume to the gentlelady from West Vir- further requests for time. But, in con- Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, ginia (Mrs. CAPITO). clusion, I want to commend the staff of on that I demand the yeas and nays. Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise our Natural Resources Committee as The yeas and nays were ordered. today on Earth Day in support of H.R. well, Mr. Jim Zoia, who’s been with me The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- 5151, the Wild Monongahela Act: A Na- for numerous years and knows our peo- ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the tional Legacy for West Virginia’s Spe- ple in West Virginia, has been with this Chair’s prior announcement, further cial Places, introduced by my col- legislation almost daily. proceedings on this motion will be league from West Virginia’s Third Dis- Rick Healy, our chief counsel. And I postponed. trict and the chairman of the Natural wish as well to commend the ranking Resources Committee, Congressman minority member on my committee, f NICK RAHALL. Mr. DON YOUNG, for his assistance and COFFMAN COVE ADMINISTRATIVE I’m proud to be an original cosponsor willingness to work with us on this as SITE CONVEYANCE ACT OF 2008 of this important legislation, and I well, and today’s acting ranking mem- Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I move to commend the chairman for all of his IMMY UNCAN ber, Mr. J D , for his help on suspend the rules and pass the bill hard work on this bill. this legislation. (H.R. 831) to provide for the conveyance In 1964, Congress enacted the Wilder- I have no further requests for time, of certain Forest Service land to the ness Act that permanently protected and I’ll reserve, pending any further re- city of Coffman Cove, Alaska, as some of the most natural and undis- quests that the ranking member has. amended. turbed places in America. Today the Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield The Clerk read the title of the bill. U.S. Forest Service preserves the nat- myself such time as I may consume. The text of the bill is as follows: ural and cultural resources and values H.R. 5151 will designate portions of of the forest system, including those of the Monongahela National Forest in H.R. 831 the Monongahela National Forest for West Virginia as wilderness, and it is Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- the enjoyment, education and inspira- my understanding that Members of resentatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, tion of this and future generations. Congress whose districts are affected West Virginia’s wilderness is part of support the bill. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. our history and heritage, and it is Although we should give considerable This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Coffman Cove Administrative Site Conveyance Act of 2008’’. passed on as a legacy. This bipartisan deference to those who have been elect- bill will protect approximately 38,000 ed to represent the people in the area, SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: acres of the Mon Forest in West Vir- I do not necessarily agree that wilder- (1) CITY.—The term ‘‘City’’ means the city of ginia through the designation of three ness designation is always the wisest Coffman Cove, Alaska. additional wilderness areas and expan- conservation decision we can make. (2) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means sion of three existing Federal wilder- Wilderness designation is the most re- the Secretary of Agriculture.

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