[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 38 (Friday, March 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E555]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                SALUTING THE SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS PLAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 20, 1997

  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, 20 years ago this month the Santa Monica 
Mountains Planning Commission produced its comprehensive plan. There 
are few dates more important in the history of the environmental 
movement in southern California.
  The plan that commission produced had many valuable components, 
including calling for the establishment of a Santa Monica Mountains 
Conservancy. As a member of the California Assembly, I carried the bill 
that implemented the plan and established the conservancy. In the past 
two decades the performance of the conservancy has exceeded even my 
high expectations. Anyone who cares about the environment and the need 
to maintain the natural beauty of southern California is in the 
organization's debt.
  While I do not necessarily subscribe to the ``Great Man'' theory of 
history, it seems evident that the conservancy would not have come this 
far without the superb leadership of Executive Director Joe Edmiston. I 
have known Joe a long time, and count him as one of my close friends. 
Putting aside friendship, however, I can say without bias that Joe 
knows how to get things done and get them done right. His utter 
commitment, his boundless energy, his no-nonsense style and his clear 
sense of direction have provided guidance to the conservancy and are 
responsible in large measure for its success.
  Indeed, the conservancy has many accomplishments in which its friends 
and supporters can take pride. For example, the organization 
administers programs designed to serve minority and disadvantaged 
groups and those who otherwise can never get to southern California's 
mountains. The quiet, cool and serene setting is a welcome contrast to 
the often grim realities of urban living. The conservancy has also 
acquired over 21,000 acres of parkland in 20 years, which has increased 
the opportunities for people of any background to enjoy nature.
  The work of the conservancy to preserve the environment, especially 
in an area growing with the speed of southern California, is of 
monumental importance. I ask my colleagues to join me today in saluting 
the 20th anniversary of the Santa Monica Mountain comprehensive plan, 
which has proven to be a most effective weapon in the arsenal of 
environmentalists. I applaud the conservancy's efforts, and wish it the 
best of luck for all the decades to come.

                          ____________________