[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 120 (Friday, September 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1698]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 THE PALOS VERDES PENINSULA LAND CONSERVANCY: CELEBRATING A DECADE OF 
   DISTINGUISHED EFFORT TO PRESERVE UNDEVELOPED LAND ON THE PENINSULA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JANE HARMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 11, 1998

  Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Palos Verdes 
Peninsula Land Conservancy for a decade of resolute effort to preserve, 
restore, and protect acres of undeveloped land on the Palos Verdes 
Peninsula in California's 36th Congressional District.
  As a result of their efforts, the Conservancy has successfully 
preserved for future generations nearly 260 acres of narrow, lush 
canyon and sweeping ocean vistas that comprise the Peninsula landscape. 
These acres, acquired through gifts, purchases and voluntary easements, 
are now protected and will remain forever available for enjoyment and 
inspiration. Residents and guests alike will continue to live side-by-
side with some of the most scenic natural beauty found anywhere in Los 
Angeles County, if not our State.
  As important to preservation, the Conservancy also maintains a 
commitment to restoring natural habitat and sustaining native wildlife. 
Their programs include organizing volunteers to clear out non-native 
plants, gathering seeds to nurture and then returning the seedlings to 
the land. And, in cooperation with the school district, all third grade 
students study the geology and natural habitat of the Peninsula, then 
walk to a site near their school to see, first hand, the plants, 
animals and rocks they studied. For the other residents, the 
Conservancy provides monthly docent-guided nature walks to explore more 
intimately the habitats with which they co-exist.
  Looking toward the future, the Conservancy has targeted an additional 
1,000 acres for preservation and conservation. In addition, with the 
help of an investment banking company, work will continue to develop 
innovative conservation finance tools to help resolve inevitable 
natural resource--land use conflicts. This conservation finance 
approach promises to become a major factor in land conservation efforts 
nationwide.
  The success of the Conservancy rests on a foundation of visionary, 
dedicated volunteers from the local community. But I also commend the 
participation of local city, county, state and federal governments 
officials; the donors of land, time and talent; local publications, and 
civic groups and private foundations. Their efforts have magnified the 
success of the Conservancy.
  Over the past ten years, sizable patches of open space has been saved 
to ensure the survival of plants and wildlife and, equally important, 
enhance the quality of life for the people of the Palos Verdes 
Peninsula. As the Congressional representative of the Peninsula, and 
resident, I salute the Conservancy's achievements and join with them in 
working to secure success which future generations will enjoy.

                          ____________________