[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 164 (Thursday, November 18, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2447]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RESIGNATION OF NATIONAL FOREST SUPERVISOR GLORIA FLORA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GEORGE MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 17, 1999

  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, Gloria Flora, forest 
Supervisor of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Nevada resigned 
last week, citing relentless ``fed-bashing.'' Since becoming Supervisor 
of the largest national forest in the lower 48 just over a year ago, 
Ms. Flora has become embroiled in disputes over grazing, endangered 
species protection, and road closures. One of these disputes recently 
culminated in Elko County residents, including public officials, 
illegally rebuilding a forest road without federal permits, an act 
which in turn triggered a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service emergency 
listing of the bull trout. At the forefront of these disputes are 
extremists whose radical anti-government stance has translated into 
several instances of intimidation and harassment of federal land 
managers and acts of violence against public servants and property.
  It is deeply distressing that public servants who are administering 
and enforcing the law are subjected to such hostile circumstances that 
they are forced to leave their jobs and homes. We should keep in mind 
that federal land managers like Ms. Flora are charged with enforcing 
laws passed by the Congress and entrusted with public lands and natural 
resources that belong to all the people of this country.
  For twenty years, the wise use movement in its various forms--the 
Sagebrush rebellion, states' rights, county supremacy--has fomented 
hostility and hatred toward officials enforcing the laws of Congress. 
Rather than perpetuate the disregard and disdain for the government and 
its laws, I urge my colleagues to use their good offices to create a 
climate of decency and cooperation.
  Mr. Speaker, while I deeply regret that Ms. Flora has chosen to 
resign, I sincerely hope that we take this opportunity to express our 
support for her and for the many Forest Service employees who share her 
concerns. I submit Ms. Flora's letter to her fellow employees.

    Open Letter to Employees of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest


                            November 8, 1999

       There is no easy way to say good-bye to a group of hard-
     working, dedicated employees and friends. But the time has 
     come when I must do just that. The best part of working on 
     this Forest is watching each of you perform your work so 
     well. The results speak for themselves in the outstanding 
     land stewardship and exemplary business practices found on 
     this Forest.
       I have become increasingly troubled by the difficult 
     conditions that so many of us face in the state of Nevada. We 
     now accept as commonplace unwarranted criticisms of and 
     verbal attacks on federal employees. Officials at all levels 
     of government in Nevada participate in this irresponsible 
     fed-bashing. The public is largely silent, watching as if 
     this were a spectator sport. This level of anti-federal 
     fervor is simply not acceptable.
       It is not like this in other places! As you know, I've 
     worked throughout the Intermountain West: Montana, Idaho, 
     Utah and Wyoming. Yes, there are arguments and strong 
     disagreements over land use policy, but they usually stay 
     within the bounds of reason. As tensions escalate, others 
     weigh in with their opinions and the media does in-depth 
     investigative reporting. There is a sense of balance. 
     Outlandish words and acts, regardless of the origin, are 
     repudiated openly by reasonable community members. 
     Constructive collaboration and discourse are recognized as 
     the methods to resolve complex natural resource issues. Yes, 
     things may get heated but all people have a voice.
       The attitude towards federal employees and federal laws in 
     Nevada is pitiful. People in rural communities who do respect 
     the law and accept responsibility for complying with it are 
     often rebuked or ridiculed. They are compared to 
     collaborators with the Vichy government in Nazi-controlled 
     France! People who support the federal government or 
     conservation of natural resources ask that they not be 
     identified for fear of retaliation. When I speak against the 
     diatribes and half-truths of the Sagebrush Rebellion, I am 
     labeled a liar and personally vilified in an attempt to 
     silence me. When I express concerns for Forest Service 
     employees' safety, I am accused of inciting violence.
       This is the United States of America. All people have a 
     right to speak and all people have a right to protection from 
     discrimination. However, I learned that in Nevada, as a 
     federal employee, you have no right to speak, no right to do 
     your job and certainly no right to be treated with respect. I 
     could go on and on with examples of those of you who have 
     been castigated in public, shunned in your communities, 
     refused service in restaurants, kicked out of motels . . . 
     just because of who you work for. And we cannot forget those 
     who have been harassed, called before kangaroo courts, or had 
     their very lives threatened.
       It disturbs me to think that two million people in this 
     state watch silently, or worse, in amusement, as a small 
     percent of their number break laws and trounce the rights of 
     others with impunity. Worse yet, there are elected officials 
     who actively support these offenders. Those whose 
     responsibility it is to help us enforce the laws passed by 
     Congress and do our mandated jobs, always seem to have a 
     reason why action must be postponed.
       The Jarbidge situation is just another example of how 
     certain elements would rather fight and excoriate the federal 
     government than work towards a solution. These people need an 
     ``evil empire'' to attack. When a member of the United States 
     Congress joins forces with them, using the power of the 
     office to stage a public inquisition of federal employees 
     followed by a political fundraiser, I must protest. This 
     member and others continue to do this, and we, as an agency, 
     believe that it is best to keep turning the other cheek. 
     Enough is enough. I am not promoting conflict; I'm simply 
     advocating that our agency demands fairness and common 
     decency. It's time to speak up.
       But speaking up and continuing to work here are not 
     compatible. By speaking out, I cannot provide you, my 
     employees, with a safe working environment. And to date, I 
     have not been able to convince others that the current 
     atmosphere is unacceptable and requires a proactive response. 
     I refuse to continue to participate in this charade of 
     normalcy.
       Equally troubling is our limited ability to perform the 
     mission of the Forest Service under these conditions. As 
     stewards for public lands, entrusted with protecting and 
     restoring natural resources for present and future 
     generations, we must be able to perform those functions in a 
     collaborative and cooperative manner. The health of the land 
     is paramount.
       I am choosing to leave for my principles, for my personal 
     well-being, and so I can actualize my commitment to natural 
     resource management in a setting where respect and civil 
     discourse is the norm. I have no definite plans and I am not 
     seeking special treatment from the agency. I will stay at 
     least until the end of the year to help ensure a smoother 
     transition to new leadership.
       I leave you with my fondest wishes for continuing your 
     excellent work and gaining the fulfillment and respect that 
     you all deserve. As I told you when I first arrived, simply 
     demonstrate honesty, integrity and ethical behavior and you 
     will succeed. Thank you for the tremendous support you have 
     given me, I couldn't have asked for more from you.
           Sincerely,

                                              Gloria E. Flora,

                                                Forest Supervisor.

     

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