[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 70 (Friday, May 14, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E979]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RANGER IN THE BANKHEAD NATIONAL FOREST RETIRING

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT B. ADERHOLT

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 14, 1999

  Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to James 
Ramey, District Ranger, Bankhead National Forest, Bankhead Ranger 
District, National Forests in Alabama.
  Mr. Ramey has worked 34 years caring for the land and serving the 
public. He started his journey while attending school at Oklahoma State 
University, earning a degree in forestry while working on the Ouachita 
National Forest, Poteau Ranger District in 1965 and will end this 
journey on June 3, 1999. He served three years in the U.S. Army, earned 
the rank of 1st Lieutenant and served one year in Vietnam.
  In April 1986, Mr. Ramey began working on the Bankhead National 
Forest as the District Ranger. During this time period he achieved a 
number of important accomplishments such as the success of using 
$700,000 provided by former Congressman Bevill to build a horse trail, 
multiple-use trail and hiking trail. He helped to manage stream side 
management zone practices that led to the protection of mussels and 
other aquatic species; he was instrumental in the design and layout of 
Clear Creek and Corinth Recreation Areas and also in trying to help 
operate additional recreational facilities during a time of increased 
use and decreased budgets. In April 1991, his leadership efforts led to 
the Bankhead Ranger District being recognized by the Southern Region of 
the National Forest Service as the best unit within the southeast.
  As someone who grew up around the forest, I know how much his efforts 
have been appreciated and how he will be missed by everyone who cares 
about the Bankhead National Forest. I extend to Mr. Ramey, his wife 
Zondra, and his family best wishes for a job well done and hope he will 
have many years ahead to enjoy a well deserved retirement.

                          ____________________