[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 77 (Wednesday, May 10, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H4675]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


          ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT DESTROYING SANTA ROSA ISLAND

  (Mrs. SEASTRAND asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. SEASTRAND. Mr. Speaker, today I bring to light another example 
of the overreaching arm of the Federal Government. Santa Rosa Island 
off Santa Barbara, CA, happens to be one of the homes for the snowy 
plover bird. The National Park Service has decided that the snowy 
plover is so endangered by cattle ranching on the island that a 3-mile-
long fence and road must be built to protect the bird. The local 
ranching company must build the fence within 7 days or the Government 
will do it for them and give them the bill. Scientific data proves that 
cattle ranching on Santa Rosa Island does not endanger the bird. In 
fact a strong case can be made that 93 years of cattle ranching has 
actually led to a greater proliferation of the bird.

                              {time}  1115

  Unfortunately, the Department of Fish and Wildlife refused to review 
this data.
  Mr. Speaker, the Endangered Species Act was supposed to protect 
species in danger of becoming extinct. It was not meant to be a vehicle 
to destroy the well cared for environment of Santa Rosa Island.

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