[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 160 (Tuesday, October 17, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1955]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          THE 72D ANNIVERSARY OF THE ALLEGHENY NATIONAL FOREST

                                 ______


                      HON. WILLIAM F. CLINGER, JR.

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 17, 1995

  Mr. CLINGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to challenge the notion that 
one shouldn't mix business and pleasure. That's exactly what we've been 
doing for 72 years in Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Forest, and 
it's worked remarkably well.
  The Commonwealth's only national forest, it is one of northwest 
Pennsylvania's greatest assets. Selective harvesting of timber has 
created thousands of jobs, provides funding for schools and roads, and 
returns millions of dollars annually to the U.S. Treasury. The 
University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has estimated that ``5,540 jobs 
are directly related to wood products, and another 12,576 are 
significantly impacted by the forest products industry.''
  But its economic benefits don't stop there. Each year, 12 million 
visitors--and area residents--enjoy camping, fishing, and hiking in the 
forest. If any of my colleagues and their families would like to visit, 
I'd be happy to identify some truly amazing sites.
  I'm proud to say that this mix of work and pleasure is balanced with 
a keen awareness and diligent attention to the forest's conservation 
needs. By responsibly harvesting our renewable timber resources, we 
allow the forest to flourish and continue to fuel the economy.
  The Allegheny National Forest strikes a wonderful balance between its 
many uses and its needs. For many, it's a source of livelihood; for 
millions more, a recreational haven. And, through its responsible 
management, it will remain so for generations to come.
  The saying ``don't mix business and pleasure'' may have its merits, 
but it's also important to remember another, ``there's an exception to 
every rule.'' Pennsylvania's national forest is certainly exceptional.
  Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for this opportunity to recognize the 
Allegheny National Forest on its 72d anniversary, and to congratulate 
all those who have come to enjoy, respect, and benefit from it.

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