[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 98 (Tuesday, July 21, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1368]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF THE ``WILCOX RANCH WILDLIFE HABITAT ACQUISITION ACT''

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                          HON. JAMES V. HANSEN

                                of utah

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 21, 1998

  Mr. HANSEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to introduce to you today the 
``Wilcox Ranch Wildlife Habitat Acquisition Act''. This important piece 
of legislation, would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to 
acquire a parcel of land located in eastern Utah, in the Range Creek 
drainage. I have been involved in many conservation projects throughout 
Utah and I can say this is one of the most important projects in the 
State. As I have mentioned, the Wilcox Ranch lies along Range Creek. 
This stream, which flows into the Green River, is home to many kinds of 
fish and may qualify as a blue ribbon trout stream. The Wilcox Ranch 
property provides access to over 75,000 acres of BLM lands and is home 
to an assortment of wildlife such as: Wild Turkey, Eagles, Hawks, Black 
Bear, Cougar, Elk, Mule Deer, Bighorn Sheep, and other mammal species.
  Not only does this land harbor an abundance of wildlife, it also 
contains many cultural resources, such as Native American pottery, 
arrowheads, and rock homes constructed centuries ago.
  Because this land controls access to so much public lands and 
contains a great portion of water rights in the Range Creek drainage, 
it is vital that we obtain this area for the public and the ecosystem.

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