[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 160 (Thursday, November 13, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S12533]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           GALLATIN EXCHANGE

  Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, we just introduced a placeholder in a bill 
on the Gallatin exchange to preserve that option. It expires December 
31. It is a land exchange in the Gallatin National Forest. I support 
that land exchange. I did not want to get into an adjournment situation 
and let the time run out and not have a placeholder, because I am 
concerned about one area in particular, as is everybody. I heard the 
concerns of my constituents in the Bridger Bang Tail area of the 
Gallatin National Forest and in the Taylor Creek area. This area has to 
be kept in the condition that it is now because it is probably the most 
important migration area for wildlife we have from Yellowstone Park 
into Montana and out of Montana. This is a migration corridor that must 
be protected.
  We have an obligation to complete this land exchange. It is a good 
land exchange. It is the right thing to do for that particular part of 
our country, and I will support it. Of course, the delegation from 
Montana will get together and work out the details. But I wanted to put 
that in there to make sure that our options are left open when Congress 
comes back into session, because I feel very strongly about this area, 
about the preservation of this area in the management of forests, 
especially in very fragile areas and in areas that are very, very 
important to the migration of wildlife, in particular elk and deer. We 
have introduced that placeholder for those reasons today.

  Mr. President, I yield the floor.
  Mr. BINGAMAN addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Coats). The Senator from New Mexico.
  Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that I be 
allowed to speak for up to 15 minutes as if in morning business.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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