[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 51 (Tuesday, April 30, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E666]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 THE MARTIN'S COVE LAND TRANSFER ACT (H.R. 4103) SHOULD BE ADOPTED BY 
                              THE CONGRESS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 30, 2002

  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support 
for H.R. 4103, the Martin's Cove Land Transfer Act, introduced in this 
House by our distinguished colleague from Utah, Mr. Hansen, the Chair 
of the Committee on Resources. The legislation directs the Secretary of 
the Interior to offer to convey to the Church of Jesus Christ of 
Latter-day Saints federal lands in the state of Wyoming known as 
Martin's Cove. The Church would be required to pay the fair market 
value for acquisition of the land and any improvements.
  Generally speaking, Mr. Speaker, I have strongly supported the 
acquisition of lands by the federal government. During the time I have 
served in this body, I have introduced and supported a number of bills 
which have provided for the addition of new lands to the Golden Gate 
National Recreation Area in California and the acquisition of other 
lands for preservation and protection by the federal government.
  It may appear to be an unusual step that I support this legislation 
which would provide for the sale of federal lands. The land at Martin's 
Cove, however, is unique. Clearly the transfer of this parcel of land 
from the federal government to the Mormon Church makes good sense for 
all concerned.
  Mr. Speaker, this site is a particularly important historical site 
for Latter-day Saints. At or near Martin's Cove in 1856 some 150 
emigrants of the Willies and Martin handcart companies lost their lives 
in an early fall snowstorm. Those who perished were buried where they 
died, and many were placed in common graves because of the difficult 
and trying conditions.
  Many members of these two groups had begun their trek to Salt Lake 
City in Europe, and others joined the group in the eastern United 
States. They sought a new life in the American West and the freedom to 
practice their religion. This loss of life was one of the most tragic 
events in the entire westward migration on the Oregon and Mormon trails 
in mid-nineteenth century America.
  It is obvious that this site holds a special significance for the 
many descendants of those who survived this ordeal, many of whom are 
Latter-day Saints. But it is also a holy place as well for other 
members of the church who give special honor to their pioneer heritage.
  Mr. Speaker, the church's interest in acquiring this site is 
consistent with the federal government's interest in public access and 
preservation of this location. The church has an interest in preserving 
this place as an authentic historic site. It has an interest in 
maintaining relics and evidences of the Mormon, Oregon and Pony Express 
trails that pass through the area. The church also has an interest in 
making the area accessible to visitors in a way that will preserve the 
historic significance of the place. Furthermore, I believe that the 
church's commitment to this site in care, concern and funds is likely 
to be much greater than that of the federal government, and as a result 
the area will be better preserved under Latter-day Saint stewardship 
than under federal control.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I do not see this legislation for the transfer 
of this particular piece of land to be establishing any precedent for 
the sale or transfer of other federal lands. Clearly this is a unique 
situation. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has an 
interest that is very similar to the federal interest to preserve, 
protect and provide public access to the site. This land transfer makes 
eminent sense, but it clearly does not change any federal policies or 
practices regarding the protection and preservation of public lands.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague from Utah, Mr. Hansen, for 
introducing this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to join me in 
supporting it.

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