[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 86 (Thursday, June 19, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1271-E1272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO THE COLUMBIA GORGE NATIONAL SCENIC AREA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 19, 1997

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute today to a 
place that is unparalleled in its beauty and wonder, the Columbia River 
Gorge National Scenic Area in the Pacific Northwest. With its abundant 
natural beauty, unique economic development opportunities, and cultural 
significance, the Columbia River Gorge is a national treasure.
  The Gorge stretches 85 miles along the Columbia River from the dry 
eastern region to the dense conifer forests and surging creeks of the 
west, dazzling wildflower displays, including species found nowhere 
else on Earth, cover hillsides and plateaus along the river. Diverse 
ecosystems within the scenic area range from temperate rain forests to 
arid, pine-oak woodlands.
  The scenic beauty of this area offers high-value, low-impact 
recreational opportunities for biking, hiking, windsurfing, and 
sightseeing to entertain residents and tourists. Multnomah Falls, the 
single most visited attraction in the National Forest system, is one of 
the region's many notable sites. These attractions, combined with the 
region's role as a source of the Northwest's renowned apples, pears, 
and cherries, allow unique opportunities to balance this valuable 
ecosystem with the pressures of economic development.
  The region also has a rich cultural heritage dating back to tribal 
life of 10,000 years ago. Ancient petroglyphs and village sites bear 
witness to thousands of years of Indian life and commerce. The Gorge 
figured prominently in the journals of Lewis and Clark, and later, 
travelers on the Oregon Trail navigated the area.
  The unparalleled beauty and geologic wonder of this area inspired 
Congress to pass the National Scenic Area Act in 1986. It was designed 
to protect the unique natural resources of the Gorge, while at the same 
time developing a sustainable economy for an area that had been 
economically depressed. The act promotes shared responsibility by 
Federal and local entities for land-use and natural resource management 
and regional economic development. Since the signing of the act, 
positive progress has been made toward that goal. Gorge economic 
development projects have spawned new jobs and increased 
diversification of the region's economy. The scope of public recreation 
has been increased through new trails and parks in the Gorge. Over 
28,000 acres of wildlife and plant habitat and scenic vistas are now 
publicly owned. Conferences and workshops have been held to encourage 
and provide citizens and residents of the Gorge with the skills to take 
action in their own communities. Thanks to the commitment and effort of 
Northwesterners, the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of 
the Gorge will continue to be safeguarded for future generations to 
enjoy.
  Oregonians recently honored the Columbia Gorge during Gorge 
Appreciation Week in May organized by Friends of the Gorge, a nonprofit 
organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of this 
incredible natural resource. This tradition was begun last year in 
honor of the 10-year anniversary of the Columbia River Gorge National 
Scenic Area Act. Oregonians showed their appreciation of and commitment 
to the Gorge by participating in a series of restoration and cleanup 
projects. This year, over 200 volunteers undertook the job of repairing 
the damage done to the region by last winter's ice storms. In addition, 
they worked to restore native plants, re-establish wetlands, clean up 
the historic Columbia River

[[Page E1272]]

Highway, and maintain hiking trails. Gorge Appreciation Week is an 
excellent way of involving citizens in the guardianship of the natural 
value of their community.
  None of this would be possible without the 2,000 members of Friends 
of the Columbia Gorge from across the country. Through the dedication 
of these individuals to the preservation of the area, the Gorge 
continues to be a wonderful place to live and work, as well as a unique 
place for visitors.
  The Gorge holds a special place in both our heritage and our future 
on a national, regional, and local level. I want to be a strong voice 
for those, such as the Friends, who support continuing the mission of 
protecting and enhancing this area. It is a national recreation 
destination and source of enjoyment and scenic beauty to the many who 
live, work, and vacation there.

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