[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 164 (Thursday, November 18, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S14815]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. McCAIN:
  S. 1963. A bill to authorize a study of alternatives to the current 
management of certain Federal lands in Arizona; to the Committee on 
Energy and Natural Resources.


  alternatiave land management study for the barry goldwater military 
                             training range

 Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce 
legislation that will require a comprehensive study of alternative land 
management options for areas comprising the Barry Goldwater military 
training range and Organ Pipe National Monument in Arizona.
  Earlier this year, the Congress finalized the Department of Defense 
Authorization Act for fiscal year 2000 which included language to renew 
a land-withdrawal for the Barry Goldwater training range for an 
additional twenty-five years to the year 2024. The final proposal 
transferred land management of the natural and cultural resources 
within the range to the Air Force and the Navy, a decision that was 
fully supported by both the Interior Department and the President's 
Council on Environmental Quality.
  In practical effect, the Air Force and Marine Corps have been 
performing the management functions at the Goldwater range for many 
years, and doing a very good job of it, according to most observers. In 
fact, the Department of Defense already dedicates significant resources 
to land and natural resource management of the Range. The decision to 
formally transfer management recognizes the superior fiscal and 
manpower resources available to the military Services, who also have 
the most compelling interest in maintaining future training access to 
the range, which can only be accomplished by effectively addressing 
environmental concerns regarding its use.
  During consideration of the legislative environmental impact 
statements and subsequent renewal proposals, no one disagreed that 
essential military training should continue on the range. However, 
several environmental groups registered concerns about the 
Administration's proposal for DOD management of the Range and expressed 
their fears that the military Services would be inappropriate and 
ineffective natural resources managers. I took personal interest in 
these expressed concerns and advocated for the strongest possible 
language in the final withdrawal bill to redress any potential problems 
should the land management of these areas ever be jeopardized under 
primary military authority.
  However, in response to continuing apprehension about proper land 
management in the newly passed withdrawal package, I worked with the 
concerned individuals to develop language directing the Department of 
the Interior to study and make recommendations for alternative land 
management scenarios for the range. Such a comprehensive study would 
provide information to guide the Administration and the Congress in 
taking appropriate future action to ensure that the cultural and 
natural resources on the range will continue to be preserved and 
protected in future years.
  Although I was unable to convince my colleagues that studying various 
land management options should be added to the Defense authorization 
package, I am continuing to explore appropriate land management options 
for the long-term. I do so because it is important that we assure that 
the best possible protection will be provided to the unique natural and 
cultural resources of these areas, consistent with the primary purpose 
of the range.
  While the Barry Goldwater Range will continue to serve its vital 
purpose, we have an obligation to ensure proper stewardship of our 
natural resources. This study will provide us with the critical 
information necessary to fulfill that obligation. Once an alternative 
management study is completed, I will ensure that any recommendations 
for improved management of the Goldwater Range are considered and acted 
on, as necessary, by the Congress.
  I strongly urge my colleagues to work with me to pass this 
legislation to ensure that the Goldwater Range is managed by the agency 
most qualified to protect the public's interest and preserve the 
precious land and natural resources of these pristine areas for future 
generations.
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