[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 155 (Friday, November 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2193]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 MARJORY STONEMAN DOUGLAS WILDERNESS AND ERNEST F. COE VISITOR CENTER 
                            DESIGNATION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. PORTER J. GOSS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 4, 1997

  Mr. GOSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 931, which would 
designate the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness Area and the Ernest 
F. Coe Visitor Center in the Florida Everglades.
  The Everglades National Park--A unique national treasure--celebrates 
its 50th anniversary this year. As we celebrate this important 
milestone, it is fitting that we recognize the contributions of both of 
these individuals. As anyone familiar with the everglades knows, 
Marjory Stoneman Douglas had dedicated her life to the everglades. Her 
landmark Book, ``The Everglades: River of Grass'' brought attention to 
the unique everglades ecosystem and helped set in motion the tremendous 
restoration efforts now underway.
  Mrs. Douglas, who celebrated her 107th birthday on April 7, was 
awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her efforts.
  Ernest F. Coe helped lead the charge to establish the Everglades 
National Park and is widely regarded as the park's ``father.''
  Coe's dedication and leadership in this area led to the authorization 
of the park in 1943 by Congress and the dedication by President Truman 
in 1947.
  Over the years, the everglades and its surrounding ecosystem have 
fallen victim to neglect and misunderstanding. Congress and the State 
of Florida have supported action to save the everglades, and have 
worked to ensure that a coordinated, effective restoration program 
moves forward.
  The ongoing south Florida initiative promises to combine existing 
programs with new targeted efforts to address many immediate and long-
term needs of the everglades, including: fresh water supply and timing, 
wildlife protection, pollution prevention, Florida Bay improvements, 
and more.
  As we continue to work on the larger issue of everglades restoration, 
I believe S. 931 offers us the opportunity to recognize the 
contributions of two individuals that have done so much for this 
national treasure and I strongly encourage my colleagues to support it.

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