[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 125 (Monday, September 30, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1702]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  INTRODUCING THE GREAT PLAINS HISTORIC GRASSLAND WILDERNESS AREA ACT

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                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 26, 2002

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a member of the Native 
American Caucus to introduce the Great Plains Historic Grassland 
Wilderness Area Act and urge my colleagues to co-sponsor and vote for 
this legislation. This bill will ensure that the last remaining 
pristine grasslands are protected.
  While ninety-nine percent of the original grasslands have been 
altered from their natural states for corporate interests, such as 
mining coal, oil and gas, one percent remains in pristine form. I 
believe this one percent must be protected.
  Though humans continue to transform and extract ``resources'' from 
the natural environment, our earth maintains the ability to revitalize 
itself. In spite of this revitalization process, numerous species and 
natural environments have been destroyed because of our decisions.
  While most of the remaining pristine grasslands are located on 
federal lands throughout the plains region, a small portion are on 
tribal government lands. I believe that the federal government, in 
conjunction with tribal governments of this region, should work 
together to ensure the continuance of these unique environments. Such 
efforts would provide these areas of the earth the time to replenish 
through natural processes.
  In 1964, Congress vowed, ``to secure for the American people of 
present and future generations the benefits of an enduring source of 
wilderness.'' I believe this promise has not been met and am 
introducing this legislation to reinforce Congess' commitment to 
protect these lands.
  Once this bill is signed into law, federal lands that contain 
pristine grasslands would be protected and enhanced for the benefit and 
enjoyment of present and future generations. In addition, tribal 
governments which own such pristine grasslands or have such land held 
in trust by the federal government, could choose to participate in the 
benefits and programs provided under this bill.
  Participating tribal governments would receive financial and 
technical assistance for their complete participation in the processes 
to manage, protect, and restore these natural environments with the 
federal government. I believe that these governments should have a 
greater role in managing federal grassland wilderness areas using their 
proven methods of environmental sustainability.
  Tribal governments administer hospitals, law enforcement and public 
safety agencies, research centers, childcare facilities, primary and 
secondary schools, colleges, court systems, environmental protection 
agencies and carry out numerous other governmental functions.
  As a result of such tribal governmental administration activity, 
Indian tribes provide major contributions to the local, regional and 
national economy by providing both revenue and employment opportunities 
to both Indian and non-Indian people of America. Clearly, such 
governments can effectively assist the federal government in managing 
federal grassland wilderness areas.
  Tribal colleges of this region would be contracted to initiate and 
complete a study of the grasslands wilderness area to determine the 
original plant and animal species inhabiting the grasslands, their 
present condition and the steps necessary to restore such species to 
self-sustaining levels.
  These administrative and research activities would be carried out 
through the Office of Native American Wilderness Management in the 
Department of the Interior. The Office would be headed by a Director, 
selected by the Secretary in consultation with tribal governments from 
the plains region.
  I would like to thank all of the tribal government leaders who 
participated in the consultation sessions to design this bill. I would 
especially like to thank Ms. Charmaine White Face for her dedication 
and consistency to assisting in bringing this bill to fruition.

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