[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 101 (Tuesday, September 5, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S7997]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 THE DESIGNATION OF WILSON CREEK IN NORTH CAROLINA AS A WILD, SCENIC, 
                         AND RECREATIONAL RIVER

  Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. President, I rise today to say how pleased I am that 
the President recently signed into law H.R. 1749, legislation that 
designates Wilson Creek in North Carolina as a wild and scenic river. 
This legislation passed the House of Representatives without 
opposition, and I was proud to support it here in the Senate and to see 
it pass just prior to the August recess.
  The designation of Wilson Creek as a wild and scenic river is 
critically important to the local community. It will protect Wilson 
Creek for use by those who seek a relaxing hike in the woods or an 
exciting rafting experience. The scenic and recreational areas along 
Wilson Creek are also some of the most beautiful and ecologically 
valuable countryside in all of North Carolina. In a time when all of us 
have so much going on in our lives, Wilson Creek will provide us with a 
place to relax and enjoy a bit of the natural world.
  Wilson Creek is truly a national treasure. It possesses remarkable 
scenic and recreational value and is home to a wide variety of plant 
and animal species. It is designated as an Outstanding Resource Water, 
indicating its exceptional recreational and ecological significance and 
high level of water quality. It winds its way through rare geologic 
rock formations that are also quite beautiful. The pools and rapids 
along Wilson Creek provide opportunities for canoe and kayak 
enthusiasts to test their skills or take a relaxing paddle. For years, 
visitors have camped, hiked, fished and played along Wilson Creek, and 
this designation will ensure that they will continue to enjoy all that 
the area has to offer for years to come.
  I would also like to say a few words about the history of this 
legislation and the impressive effort that has led us to this important 
point. It is not enough to say that this measure was a bipartisan 
effort. This law is the result of a cooperative effort spearheaded by 
the Caldwell County Commissioners, in which every interested party had 
a voice. Working with the Forest Service, the Avery County 
Commissioners, the Caldwell County Chamber of Commerce, the Caldwell 
County Economic Development Commission, local landowners and the local 
community, the Commissioners helped develop this important plan to 
protect permanently Wilson Creek. That this legislation has had such 
strong local support is a testament to the hard work put forward by all 
of these groups and individuals. The collaborative effort to craft and 
pass this legislation will serve as a model for other communities that 
may have similar projects. They are to be commended for their efforts. 
I would also like to thank other local officials, citizens, the Forest 
Service, and everyone else who dedicated so much time, effort, and 
heart to get us to this point.
  Many portions along Wilson Creek exist much as they did more than 100 
years ago, and I believe we must do all we can to preserve them. We 
have a rare opportunity to protect a critically important waterway for 
future generations, and I am so pleased to see it become law.

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