[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 71 (Tuesday, May 22, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E895]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       A TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL V. FINLEY, YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK 
                             SUPERINTENDENT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY LEWIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 22, 2001

  Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like today to pay 
tribute to the 30-year-public service career of Michael V. Finley, the 
superintendent of Yellowstone National Park. After providing leadership 
in parks ranging from Yosemite in California to the Everglades in 
Florida. Superintendent Finley will retire in June for a new career in 
private industry.
  Starting with his first ranger position at Big Bend National Park, 
Michael Finley has worked a rich and varied career helping keep 
America's National Park system beautiful and educational for our 
citizens and visitors from around the world. He actually began his life 
in our parks in 1965 as a seasonal fire control aide, working 
throughout the West for the next six years.
  Over the years, Michael Finley has developed an expertise in inter-
governmental relations, working with state and local governments and on 
Native American issues. He has directed legislative efforts, research 
projects, law enforcement operations, museums and cultural facilities, 
engineering and maintenance programs and oversight of mining and 
mineral uses in the parks. He has worked extensively with the media and 
public interest groups, and is an international expert on conservation 
efforts.
  His awards have included the National Park Service Superior 
Performance Award, the Department of Interior's Meritorious Service 
Award, and national recognition for public service by conservation 
groups.
  Californians have been among those who have most benefited from 
Superintendent Finley's expertise. He was a ranger in Pinnacles 
National Monument and Redwood National Park, as well as ranger and 
superintendent of Yosemite from 1989-1994. He also served as a federal 
liaison and trainer in the development of seven state parks in the 
Santa Cruz Mountains of California. He was also superintendent of 
Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland and as associate 
regional director for 13 parks in the Alaska region. Before taking over 
as Yellowstone superintendent in 1994, he was acting associate director 
of operations for the park service.
  In his role as chief of the crown jewel of American parks, 
Superintendent Finley has successfully managed a staff of 800 and a 
budget of $25 million. He helped create the Yellowstone Park Foundation 
to solicit private support for the world's first national park, and set 
Yellowstone on a course that will preserve its natural heritage, while 
providing the best possible experience for the 3 million people who 
visit each year.
  Mr. Speaker, Michael Finley is leaving the park service to become 
president of the Turner Foundation in Atlanta, Georgia, one of the most 
dynamic philanthropic organizations in the nation. Please join me in 
thanking him for his years of service to our nation's parks, and 
wishing him and his wife, Lillie, continued success in their new 
endeavors.

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