[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 140 (Friday, September 30, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 30, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                     NORTHERN FOREST LANDS COUNCIL

                                 ______


                            HON. DICK SWETT

                            of new hampshire

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 30, 1994

  Mr. SWETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the work of 
the Northern Forest Lands Council [NFLC], which ceases to exist today 
after completing its 4-year effort to develop long-term conservation 
recommendations for the Northern Forest.
  The Northern Forest is a 26-million-acre expanse of forest which 
extends from New York to Maine. This vast area, which is mostly 
privately owned, is home to more than 1 million people, along with 
moose, osprey, bear, loon, and hundreds of other species of wildlife.
  The Northern Forest provides the Northeast and the Nation with forest 
products, opportunities for outdoor recreation and tourism, and 
billions of dollars of direct and secondary economic benefits. As a 
recreational destination, the Northern Forest hosts millions of 
visitors annually--offering some of the most spectacular scenery in 
America. The region is characterized by clear mountain rivers and 
lakes, magnificent mountain peaks, and peaceful New England villages.
  The Northern Forest region is currently facing strong forces for 
change. Intensified forest practices, land speculation, and subdivision 
threaten to permanently damage the character of the region.
  The NFLC was created in 1990 in response to these threats. Through 4 
years of effort, the NFLC developed a series of recommendations to help 
preserve the Northern Forest.
  One of the most remarkable things about the work of the NFLC has been 
the process. The consensus recommendations were developed after 
countless hours of discussions, with input from all concerned parties.
  Unlike forest communities in other parts of the country which have 
been plagued by polarization, Northern Forest communities have shown 
that opposing interests can find common ground and work together in 
developing conservation strategies.
  Continuing with this spirit of constructive cooperation, I look 
forward to working with the rest of the Northern Forest delegation to 
implement the recommendations of the Northern Forest Lands Council.

                          ____________________