[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 25, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E297]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  COMMENDING THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND

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                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 25, 1997

  Mr. HOYER.  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hard work of 
the Trust for Public Land (TPL) and commend their staff for their 
tremendous efforts to protect the pristine land and promote the 
historic heritage of southern Maryland. As a result of their work with 
real estate, law and finance experts, business interests, and citizens' 
groups, we have been able, over the past several years, to conserve 
natural, historic, and environmental landmarks at Piscataway Park and 
Myrtle Point.
  The motto of the Trust for Public Land is the inspiration which 
guides the organization. ``Conserving land for people'', is often a 
very complex, costly, and timely task. However, the TPL has shown that 
with the right combination of leadership, energy, and commitment, 
permanent conservation and preservation can be a reality.
  Mr. Speaker, in 1793, George Washington wrote of his boyhood home 
Mount Vernon that ``no estate in the United America is more pleasantly 
situated than this.'' Dating back to 1955, there have been significant 
threats to the 18th century scenery which serves as a viewshed across 
the river in Maryland. For the past several years, I have enjoyed 
working with the Trust for Public Land to ensure that today a 
functioning colonial farm, which serves as the perfect backdrop for 
Mount Vernon, runs along the Potomac River on the Maryland side.
  Recently, the Trust for Public Land played an integral role in the 
effort to save the last undeveloped waterfront property in St. Marys 
County: Myrtle Point. Due to the services provided by the Trust for 
Public Land, this 192-acre Patuxent River parcel will be managed as a 
natural area and public recreational park with waterfront access. They 
negotiated the agreement between St. Marys County, the State of 
Maryland, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. for more than 1\1/2\ 
years. In fact, without the leadership and vision of the staff of the 
Trust for Public Land, this deal might never have come together.
  Mr. Speaker, these are just a few examples of the productive role the 
Trust for Public Land has played in ensuring the protection of our 
Nation's pristine environment and open space. Since its founding in 
1972, the Trust for Public Land has protected close to 1 million acres 
of land valued at over $1 billion in 44 States and Canada, including 
2,000 acres in Maryland.
  They have successfully brought together government and private 
interests in the name of conservation and are to be commended for their 
efforts and success. I know that my colleagues join me in recognizing 
their dedication and congratulate them on their many accomplishments.

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