[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 123 (Wednesday, September 25, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1645]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           IDAHO PUBLIC LANDS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 24, 2002

  Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, the people of Idaho are fortunate to have 
the incredible resources of the public lands for work and play. Our 
public lands provide forest, mineral, and grazing resources, as well as 
access to a wide variety of outdoor recreation pursuits. The beauty of 
Idaho's mountains and rivers draw thousands of tourists to our state, 
injecting millions of dollars into our state's economy and supporting 
thousands of small businesses. So it is fitting to draw attention to an 
expedition that recently passed through Idaho.
  American Frontiers: A Public Lands Journey is drawing attention to 
America's public lands legacy through a two month, 3,000 mile journey 
entirely on public lands and waters. Two teams of adventurers, 
including teachers, a firefighter, a nurse, a reporter, and several 
outdoor enthusiasts began this trek on August 1, one team starting from 
the Canadian border, the other from the Mexican border. The two teams 
will join together on September 28, 2002 in Salt Lake City on National 
Public Lands Day. The northern group journeyed into Idaho while they 
were on the Continental Divide Trail, and hit the halfway point in 
their journey in the Targhee National Forest.
  We all treasure the special moments spent in awe of the natural 
wonders around us, and stand to gain from a better understanding of 
America's public lands legacy. My thanks go to the Public Lands 
Interpretive Association and the many sponsors and partners organizing 
this special journey. I encourage you to read more about this 
incredible journey on America's public lands by visiting the 
interactive website www.americanfrontiers.net.

 ____________________