[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 147 (Thursday, October 15, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2193-E2196]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         H.R. 901, THE AMERICAN LAND SOVEREIGNTY PROTECTION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DON YOUNG

                               of alaska

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 15, 1998

  Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I introduced H.R. 901, ``The 
American Land Sovereignty Protection Act,'' to reestablish Congress as 
the ultimate decision-maker in managing public lands and maintain 
sovereign controls of lands in the United States. The bill insists that 
no land be designated for inclusion in international land use programs, 
such as World Heritage Sites, without the clear and direct approval of 
Congress and requires that local citizens and public officials 
participate in decisions on designating land near their homes for 
inclusion in these international land programs.
  World Heritage Sites are natural areas of cultural monuments 
recognized by the World Heritage Committee of the United Nations 
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), under ``The 
Convention Concerning Protection of the World Cultural and Natural 
Heritage.'' Proponents of World Heritage Sites keep saying that they 
are designated at the request of local communities. They seem to 
believe that if they keep repeating this mantra often enough, then 
somehow it will prove true. The Committee on Resources has now held 
three hearings on this issue and has yet to find one example where a 
World Heritage Site designation was requested by a broad-based cross-
section of either the public or local officials. On the contrary, the 
Committee has found that World Heritage Site designation efforts are 
almost always driven by federal agencies, usually the Department of 
Interior, and often face strong local opposition.
  The Department of Interior, in cooperation with the Federal 
Interagency Panel for World Heritage has identified a shopping list of 
94 sites in 31 States and the District of Columbia that they would like 
to make World Heritage Sites. So far, twenty-two of the sites on this 
list have been designated World Heritage Sites. I would like to include 
this list and the detailed descriptions of the natural properties on 
this list. More information on this important issue can be found on the 
Committee on Resources website at: http://www.house.gov//105cong/
issues.htm

       World Heritage Shopping List for United States (by state)


                                ALABAMA

       Moundville Site.


                                 ALASKA

       Aleutian Islands Unit of the Alaska Maritime National.
       Wildlife Refuge (Fur Seal Rookeries).
       Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
       Cape Krusenstern Archaeological District.
       Denali National Park.
       Gates of the Arctic National Park.
       Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, inscribed 1992.
       Katmai National Park.
       Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, inscribed 
     1979.


                                ARIZONA

       Casa Grande National Monument.
       Grand Canyon National Park, inscribed 1979.

[[Page E2194]]

       Hohokam Pima National Monument.
       Lowell Observatory.
       Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.
       Saguaro National Monument.
       San Xavier Del Bac.
       Taliesin West.
       Ventana Cave.


                               CALIFORNIA

       Joshua Tree National Monument.
       Point Reyes National Seashore/Farallon Islands National 
     Wildlife Refuge.
       Redwood National Park, inscribed 1980.
       Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks.
       Yosemite National Park, inscribed 1984.


                           CALIFORNIA/NEVADA

       Death Valley National Monument.


                                COLORADO

       Colorado National Monument.
       Mesa Verde National Park, inscribed 1978.
       Lindenmeir Site.
       Rockey Mountain National Park.


                          DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

       Chapel Hall, Gallaudet College.
       Washington Monument.


                            FLORIDA/GEORGIA

       Everglades National Park, inscribed 1979.
       Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.


                                GEORGIA

       Ocmulgee National Monument.
       Savannah Historic District.
       Warm Springs Historic District.


                                 HAWAII

       Haleakala National Park.
       Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, inscribed 1987.
       Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park.


                                ILLINOIS

       Auditorium Building, Chicago.
       Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, inscribed 1982.
       Carson, Pirie, Scott and Company Store, Chicago.
       Eads Bridge, Illinois-St. Louis, Missouri
       Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
       Leiter II Building, Chicago
       Marquette Building, Chicago
       Reliance Building, Chicago
       Robie House, Chicago
       Rookery Building, Chicago
       South Dearborn Street-Printing House Row North Historic 
     District.
       Unity Temple, Oak Park.


                                INDIANA

       New Harmony Historic District.


                               LOUISIANA

       Poverty Point.


                                 MAINE

       Acadia National Park.


                             MASSACHUSETTS

       Goddard Rocket Launching Site.


                                MISSOURI

       Wainright Building, St. Louis.


                                MONTANA

       Glacier National Park, inscribed 1995.


                          NEW JERSEY/NEW YORK

       Statue of Liberty National Monument, inscribed 1984.


                               NEW MEXICO

       Carlsbad Caverns National Park, inscribed 1995.
       Chaco Culture National Historical Park, inscribed 1987.
       Pecos National Monument.
       Taos Pueblo, inscribed 1992.
       Trinity Site.


                                NEW YORK

       Brooklyn Bridge.
       General Electric Research Laboratories, Schenectady.
       Prudential (Guaranty) Building, Buffalo.
       Pupin Physics Laboratory, Columbia University.
       Original Bell Telephone Laboratories.


                        NORTH CAROLINA/TENNESSEE

       Great Smoky Mountains National Park, inscribed 1983.


                                  OHIO

       Mound City Group National Monument.


                                 OREGON

       Crater Lake National Park.


                              PENNSYLVANIA

       Fallingwater.
       Independence National Historic Site, inscribed 1979.


                                 TEXAS

       Big Bend National Park.
       Guadalupe Mountains National Park.


                                  UTAH

       Arches National Park.
       Bryce Canyon National Park.
       Canyonlands National Park.
       Capitol Reef National Park.
       Rainbow Bridge National Monument.
       Zion National Park.


                                VIRGINIA

       McCormick Farm and Workshop
       Monticello, inscribed 1987.
       University of Virginia Historic District, inscribed 1987.
       Virginia Coast Reserve.


                               WASHINGTON

       Mount Rainier National Park.
       Olympic National Park, inscribed 1981.
       North Cascades National Park.


                               WISCONSIN

       Taliesin.


                                WYOMING

       Grand Teton National Park.


                            WYOMING/MONTANA

       Yellowstone National Park, inscribed 1978.


                              PUERTO RICO

       La Fortaleza-San Juan National Historical site, inscribed 
     1983.
                                  ____


Indicative Inventory of Potential Future U.S. Nominations to the World 
                   Heritage List--Natural Properties


                           Appalachian Ranges

       Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North 
     Carolina (35 deg.37' N.; 83 deg.27' W.). This tract, which 
     includes one of the oldest uplands on earth, has a diversity 
     of lush vegetation associated with its varied topography, 
     including spruce-fir, hemlock, deciduous, and mixed forests. 
     The area has been designated a Biosphere Reserve. Criteria: 
     (ii) An outstanding example of biological evolution, and 
     (iii) contains superlative natural phenomena and areas of 
     exceptional natural beauty.


                         Atlantic Coastal Plain

       Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia/Florida (30 
     deg.48' N.; 82 deg.17' W.). This tract includes a vast peat 
     bog, interspersed with upland prairies, marshes, and open 
     water. These diverse habitats are home for a wide range of 
     uncommon, threatened, and endangered species, including the 
     American alligator. Criteria: (ii) An outstanding example of 
     biological evolution, and (iv) habitat of endangered animal 
     species.
       Virginia Coast Reserve, Virginia (37 deg.30' N.; 75 deg.40' 
     W.). The Virginia Coast Reserve is the most well-preserved 
     extensive barrier island system remaining on the Atlantic 
     Coast of North America. The system of barrier islands, 
     saltmarshes, and lagoons demonstrate dune and beach migration 
     and storm action on barrier islands, and include virtually 
     all of the plant Communities which once occurred along the 
     Atlantic Coast. The area has been designated a Biosphere 
     Reserve. Criteria: (ii) An outstanding example of significant 
     geological processes and biological evolution, and (iii) 
     contains superlative natural phenomena and formations.


                              Brooks Range

       Arctic national Wildlife Refuge, Alaska (69 deg.0' N.; 143 
     deg.0' W.). This area's varied topography, extending from the 
     Brooks Range north to the Arctic Ocean, is habitat for a 
     tremendous diversity of wildlife, including caribou, polar 
     and grizzly bears, musk ox, Dall sheep, Arctic peregrine 
     falcons, and golden eagles. It is a virtually undisturbed 
     arctic landscape, with coastal plain, tundra, valley, and 
     mountain components. Criteria: (ii) An outstanding example of 
     biological evolution, and (iii) superlative natural phenomena 
     and areas of exceptional natural beauty.
       Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska (67 deg.30' N.; 
     153 deg.0' W.). Gates of the Arctic includes a portion of the 
     central Brooks Range and is characterized by jagged mountain 
     peaks, gentle arctic valleys, wild rivers and numerous lakes. 
     Criteria: (ii) An outstanding example of significant ongoing 
     geological processes and biological evolution, and (iii) 
     contains superlative natural phenomena, formations, and areas 
     of exceptional natural beauty.


                             Cascade Range

       Crater Lake National Park, Oregon (42 deg.55' N.; 122 
     deg.06' W.). This unique, deep blue lake lies at the center 
     of Mount Mazama, an ancient volcanic peak that collapsed 
     centuries ago. The lake is bounded by multicolored lava walls 
     extending 500 to 2000 feet above the lake's waters. Criteria: 
     (ii) An outstanding example of significant geological 
     processes, and (iii) contains superlative natural phenomena, 
     formations, and areas of exceptional natural beauty.
       Mount Rainier National Park, Washington (46 deg.52' N.; 121 
     deg.41' W.). Mount Rainier National Park includes the 
     greatest single-peak glacial system in the U.S., radiating 
     from the summit and slopes of an ancient volcano. Dense 
     forests and subalpine meadows here are characteristic of the 
     Cascade Range. Criteria: (ii) An outstanding example of 
     significant geological processes and biological evolution; 
     and (iii) contains superlative natural phenomena, formations, 
     and areas of exceptional natural beauty.
       North Cascades National Park, Washington (48 deg.40' N.; 
     121 deg.15' W.). The tall, jagged peaks of the North Cascades 
     intercept moisture-laden winds off the Pacific Ocean, which 
     produce glaciers, waterfalls, and ice falls in this wild 
     alpine region where plant and animal communities thrive in 
     mountain valleys. Criteria: (ii) An outstanding example of 
     significant geological processes and biological evolution, 
     and (iii) contains superlative natural phenomena, formations, 
     and areas of exceptional natural beauty.


                           Chihuahuan Desert

       Big Bend National Park, Texas (29 deg.15' N.; 103 deg.11' 
     W.). This area has many excellent examples of mountain 
     systems and deep canyons formed by a major river. A variety 
     of unusual geological formations are found here, with many 
     vegetation types--dry coniferous forest, woodland, chaparral, 
     and desert--associated with them. The area has been 
     designated a Biosphere Reserve. Criteria: (ii) An outstanding 
     example of significant geological processes and biological 
     evolution, and (iii) contains superlative natural phenomena, 
     formation, and areas of exceptional natural beauty.
       Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico (32 deg.10' N.; 
     104 deg.40' W.). This series of connected caverns, which 
     include the largest underground chambers yet discovered,

[[Page E2195]]

     have many magnificent and curious cave formations, including 
     an array of speleothems. Criteria: (ii) An outstanding 
     example of significant geological processes, and (iii) 
     contains superlative natural phenomena, formations, and areas 
     of exceptional natural beauty.
       Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas (31 deg.50' N.; 
     104 deg.50' W.). Rising abruptly from the surrounding desert, 
     the mountain mass constituting this national park contains 
     portions of the world's most extensive and significant 
     Permian limestone fossil reef. A tremendous earth fault and 
     unusual flora and fauna are also found here. Criteria: (i) An 
     outstanding example illustrating a major stage of the earth's 
     evolutionary history, (ii) an outstanding example of 
     significant geological processes, and (iii) contains 
     superlative natural phenomena and formations.


                            Colorado Plateau

       Arches National Park, Utah (38 deg.40' N.; 109 deg.30' W.). 
     Arches National Park contains many extraordinary products of 
     erosional processes, including giant arches, windows, 
     pinnacles and pedestals. Criteria: (ii) An outstanding 
     example of significant geological processes, and (iii) 
     contains superlative natural phenomena, formations, and areas 
     of exceptional natural beauty.
       Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah (37 deg.30' N.; 112 
     deg.10' W.). Bryce Canyon includes innumerable highly 
     colorful and bizarre pinnacles, walls and spires, perhaps the 
     most colorful and unusual erosional forms in the world. 
     Criteria (ii) An outstanding example of significant 
     geological processes, and (iii) contains superlative natural 
     phenomena, formations, and areas of exceptional natural 
     beauty.
       Canyonlands National Park, Utah (38 deg.20' N.; 109 deg.50' 
     W.). This area's diverse geological features, which include 
     arches, fins pillars, spires, and mesas, exemplify the array 
     of erosional patterns carved primarily by running water. 
     Criteria: (ii) An outstanding example of significant 
     geological processes, and (iii) contains superlative natural 
     phenomena, formations, and areas of exceptional natural 
     beauty.
       Capitol Reef National Park, Utah (38 deg.20' N.; 111 
     deg.10' W.). The 100-mile long Waterpocket Fold is one of the 
     world's most graphic examples of a monoclinal folding of the 
     earth's crust. A striking variety of features, including 
     volcanic dikes and sills, arches and bridges, and monoliths 
     and sinkholes, have been created or exposed by wide-scale 
     erosion occurring over the past 270 million years. Criteria: 
     (ii) An outstanding example of significant geological 
     processes, and (iii) contains superlative phenomena, 
     formations, and areas of exceptional natural beauty.
       Colorado National Monument, Colorado (39 deg.0' N.; 08 
     deg.40' W.). Sheer-walled canyons, towering monoliths, 
     bizarre formations, and dinosaur fossils are contained within 
     this national monument. Criteria: (ii) An outstanding example 
     of significant geological processes, and (iii) contains 
     superlative natural phenomena, formations, and areas of 
     exceptional natural beauty.
       Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Utah (37 deg.0' N.; 111 
     deg.0' W.). Rainbow Bridge is the greatest of the world's 
     known natural bridges, rising 290 feet above the floor of 
     Bridge Canyon. Criteria: (ii) An outstanding example of 
     significant geological processes, and (iii) contains 
     superlative natural phenomena, formations, and areas of 
     exceptional natural beauty.
       Zion National Park, Utah (37 deg.20' N.; 113 deg.0' W.). 
     Zion's colorful canyon and mesa vistas include erosion and 
     rock-fault patterns that produce phenomenal shapes and 
     landscapes. Criteria: (ii) An outstanding example of 
     significant geological processes, and (iii) contains 
     superlative natural phenomena, formations, and areas of 
     exceptional natural beauty.


                            Hawaiian Islands

       Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii (19 deg.20' N.; 155 
     deg.20' W.). This site contains outstanding examples of 
     active and recent volcanism, along with luxuriant 
     vegetational development at its lower elevations. The area 
     has been designated a Biosphere Reserve. Criteria: (i) An 
     outstanding example illustrating the earth's evolutionary 
     history, (ii) an outstanding example of significant 
     geological processes, and (iii) contains superlative natural 
     phenomena, formations, and areas of exceptional natural 
     beauty.


                             Mohave Desert

       Death Valley National Monument, California/Nevada (36 
     deg.30' N.; 117 deg.0' W.). This large desert area, which is 
     nearly surrounded by high mountains, contains the lowest 
     point in the Western Hemisphere. It is highly representative 
     of Great Basin/Mohave Desert (mountain and desert) 
     ecosystems. Criteria: (ii) An outstanding example of 
     significant geological processes and biological evolution, 
     and (iii) contains superlative natural phenomena.
       Joshua Tree National Monument, California (33 deg.50' N.; 
     116 deg.0' W.). This area, located at the junction of the 
     Mohave and Sonoran Deserts, contains an unusually rich 
     variety of desert plants, including extensive stands of 
     Joshua trees, set amongst striking granitic formations. 
     Criteria: (ii) An outstanding example of biological 
     evolution, and (iii) contains superlative natural phenomena 
     and formations.


                        New England-Adirondacks

       Acadia National Park, Maine (44 deg.20' N.; 68 deg.20' W.). 
     Acadia, situated on a rocky archipelago along the Maine 
     coast, is an area of diverse geological features, dramatic 
     topography (including the highest headlands along the entire 
     Atlantic coast), and outstanding scenic beauty. Criteria: 
     (ii) An outstanding example of significant geological 
     process, and (iii) contains superlative natural phenomena, 
     formations, and areas of exceptional beauty.


                          North Pacific Border

       Point Reyes National Seashore/Farallon Islands National 
     Wildlife Refuge, California (38 deg.0' N.; 123 deg.0' W.). 
     This proposal includes properties within the Point Reyes/
     Farallon Islands National Marine Sanctuary. The Point Reyes 
     Peninsula, a unique living example of tectonic and seismic 
     activity, has moved more than 300 miles in the past 80 
     million years. A complex active rift zone, including the 
     famed San Andreas Fault, occurs where the Peninsula meets the 
     California mainland. The area is characterized by a diverse 
     set of habitats, striking scenery, and a large variety of 
     terrestrial and aquatic animal species. The Farallon Islands 
     support the largest seabird rookeries in the contiguous 
     United States, including species such as the ashy storm 
     petrel, western gull, Brandt's cormorant, black 
     oystercatcher, and Cassin's auklet. Criteria: (ii) An 
     outstanding example of significant geological processes and 
     biological evolution, and (iii) contains superlative natural 
     phenomena, formations, and areas of exceptional natural 
     beauty.


                        Pacific Mountain System

       Aleutian Islands Unit of the Alaska Maritime National 
     Wildlife Refuge, Alaska (54 deg.40' N.; 164 deg.10' W.). The 
     Aleutians represent a mixture of flora and fauna found in 
     both the North American and Asian continents, and serves 
     as a resting place for migratory species. The area has 
     been designated a Biosphere Reserve. Criteria: (ii) An 
     outstanding example of biological evolution.
       Denali National Park, Alaska (63 deg.20' N.; 150 deg.40' 
     W.). This tract embodies a unique and spectacular combination 
     of geologic features, including active glaciers, major 
     earthquake faults, and Mt. McKinley, the highest mountain 
     peak in North America. It also includes outstanding examples 
     of tundra and boreal forest ecosystems. The area has been 
     designated a Biosphere Reserve. Criteria: (ii) An outstanding 
     example of significant geological processes and biological 
     evolution, and (iii) contains superlative natural phenomena, 
     formations, and areas of exceptional natural beauty.
       Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska (58 deg.30' N.; 136 
     deg.30' W.). Great tidewater glaciers, a dramatic range of 
     plant communities from rocky terrain recently covered by ice 
     to lush temperature rainforest, and a large variety of 
     animals, including brown and black bear, mountain goats, 
     whales, seals and eagles, can be found in this Park. 
     Criteria: (ii) an outstanding example of significant ongoing 
     geological processes and biological evolution, and (iii) 
     contains superlative natural phenomena, formations, and ares 
     of exceptional natural beauty.
       Katmai National Park, Alaska (58 deg.30' N.; 155 deg.20' 
     W.). This area's interior wilderness includes the Valley of 
     10,000 Smokes, the result of the 1917 volcanic eruption of 
     Mt. Katmai. The eruption produced countless fumaroles, a few 
     of which are still active. Criteria: (ii) an outstanding 
     example of significant geological processes, and (iii) 
     contains superlative natural phenomena and formations.


Rocky Mountains (Includes northern, middle, and southern Rocky Mountain 
                            natural regions)

       Glacier National Park, Montana (48 deg.40' N.; 113 deg.50' 
     W.). With mountain peaks exceeding 10,000 feet, this site 
     includes nearly 50 glaciers, many lakes and streams, and a 
     wide variety of wild flowers and wildlife, including bighorn 
     sheep, bald eagles and grizzly bears. The area has been 
     designated a Biosphere Reserve. Criteria: (ii) An outstanding 
     example of significant geological processes, and (iii) 
     contains superlative natural phenomena, formations, and areas 
     of exceptional natural beauty.
       Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming (43 deg.40' N.; 100 
     deg.40' W.). Containing the most impressive portion of the 
     Teton Range of the Rocky Mountains, this series of peaks rise 
     more than a mile above surrounding sagebrush plains. The park 
     includes the winter feeding ground of the largest American 
     elk herd. Criteria: (ii) An outstanding example of 
     significant geological processes and biological evolution, 
     and (iii) contains superlative natural phenomena, formations, 
     and areas of exceptional natural beauty.
       Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado (40 deg.20' N.; 105 
     deg.40' W.). Within this 412-square mile national park, peaks 
     towering over 14,000 feet shadow wildlife and wildflowers 
     that are characteristic of the Front Range of the Rocky 
     Mountains. The area has been designated a Biosphere Reserve. 
     Criteria: (ii) An outstanding example of significant 
     geological processes and biological evolution, and (iii) 
     contains superlative natural phenomena, formations, and areas 
     of exceptional natural beauty.


                             Sierra Nevada

       Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks, California (36 deg.40' 
     N.; 118 deg.30' W.). A combination of two adjoining national 
     parks, this tract includes Mount Whitney, the tallest 
     mountain in the United States outside of Alaska, Mineral King 
     Valley, and two enormous canyons of the Kings River. Groves 
     of

[[Page E2196]]

     giant sequoia, the world's largest living things, are found 
     here. This area has been designated a Biosphere Reserve. 
     Criteria: (ii) An outstanding example of significant 
     geological processes and biological evolution, and (iii) 
     contains superlative natural phenomena, and areas of 
     exceptional natural beauty.
       Yosemite National Park, California (37 deg.50' N.; 119 
     deg.30' W.). Granite peaks and domes rise high above broad 
     meadows in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, along with groves 
     of sequoias and related tree species. Mountains, lakes, and 
     waterfalls, including the nation's highest, are found here. 
     Criteria: (ii) An outstanding example of significant 
     geological processes and biological evolution, and (iii) 
     contains superlative natural phenomena, formations, and areas 
     of exceptional natural beauty.


                             Sonoran Desert

       Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona (32 deg.0' N.; 
     112 deg.50' W.). This park contains block-faulted mountains 
     separated by wide alluvial valleys, along with playas, lava 
     fields, and sands. It includes representative examples of the 
     Sonoran Desert found in this region and nowhere else in the 
     United States. This area has been designated a Biosphere 
     Reserve. Criteria: (ii) An outstanding example of biological 
     evolution, and (iii) contains superlative natural phenomena.
       Saguaro National Monument, Arizona (32 deg.10' N.; 110 
     deg.40' W.). Giant saguaro cactus, unique to the Sonoran 
     Desert of southern Arizona and northwestern Mexico, reach up 
     to 50 feet in height in the cactus forest in this park. 
     Criteria: (ii) An outstanding example of biological 
     evolution, and (iii) contains superlative natural phenomena.


                            Hawaiian Islands

       Haleakala National Park, Hawaii (20 deg.40' N.; 156 deg.10' 
     W.). With an elevational range from sea level to 3000 m, the 
     park has a great variety of habitats. Alpine deserts, 
     subalpine shrubland, dry forests, subalpine grassland, bogs, 
     rainforests, and coastal vegetation all occur within a linear 
     distance of 25 km. Of international botanical significance, 
     over 95 percent of the species, and 20 percent of the genera 
     of flowering plants are found nowhere else on earth. 
     Criteria: (i) An outstanding example representing major 
     stages of the earth's evolutionary history, (ii) outstanding 
     example representing ongoing biological evolution, and (iii) 
     contains superlative natural beauty.

     

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