[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 105 (Monday, July 29, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1464]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMENDING JOHN REYNOLDS ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE NATIONAL PARK 
                                SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 26, 2002

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep appreciation 
for the work of Mr. John Reynolds, regional director for the western 
region of the National Park Service, Region IX.
  With John's retirement on August 3, the national parks will lose a 
dedicated, innovative leader.
  John Reynolds has devoted his entire career to our national parks, 
joining the park service while still a student in 1961 and rising 
through the ranks to become director of the Pacific West Region in 
1997. In this position, he held responsibility for 56 national parks in 
Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and the islands of the outer 
Pacific. These parks include many of our country's greatest natural and 
cultural treasures--majestic redwood groves, active volcanoes, historic 
ships and forts, sweeping seashores, and mountains and valleys of 
stunning beauty.
  John's contributions to the national parks, and especially the 
western region, have been myriad. He has actively promoted new and 
innovative ideas, and has fostered unique and creative problem-solving 
in the parks under his jurisdiction. He has done so much to bring the 
national parks to the people, especially in urban areas.
  He has served as a calming and effective presence in dealing with 
controversies over park stewardship. He has always worked to achieve 
balance among the many purposes and uses of national parks, while first 
and foremost remaining dedicated to preserving the parks for future 
generations.
  I wish to give John heartfelt thanks, on behalf of my constituents in 
San Francisco, for his oversight of the Golden Gate National Recreation 
Area, his support for the San Francisco Maritime National Historical 
Park and the historic ships, and his crucial role in establishing the 
Presidio as a new national park.
  In its spectacular location at the Golden Gate, the Presidio is one 
of America's great natural and historic sites. As general manager of 
the Presidio from November 1996 to May 1997, John stepped up to the 
plate at the beginning of its transition from Army base to national 
park. Subsequently, as regional director, he provided steady support 
and guidance for the Presidio as it continued to develop in its unique 
role as the only national park required to become fully self-
supporting.
  John was born in Yosemite National Park, so perhaps it was inevitable 
that he should dedicate his life to protecting and promoting national 
parks. We will miss him greatly, and we wish him and his family all the 
best for the future.

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