[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 172 (Sunday, November 23, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2433]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST LAND EXCHANGE ACT OF 2003

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 18, 2003

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased the House is considering 
H.R. 1651-The Sierra National Forest Land Exchange Act of 2003 on 
suspension today. I thank my colleagues, Mr. Nunes and Mr. Dooley, in 
addition to Resources Committee Chairman Pombo, for their support and 
assistance on this measure.
  H.R. 1651 completes a land exchange between the Forest Service and a 
constituent of mine, Mr. Bob Glassman. Under the exchange, the Forest 
Service will obtain an 80 acre parcel within the Sierra National Forest 
from my constituent, who will in turn receive a 160 acre parcel located 
on Shaver Lake and also within the Sierra National Forest.
  Upon completion of the land exchange with the Forest Service, my bill 
states that my constituent will convey the newly acquired 160 parcel on 
Shaver Lake to the Sequoia Council of the Boy Scouts. The Boy Scouts 
have operated a recreational camp on a portion of this land for over 
five decades. Thousands of Scouts use the camp each year to experience 
outdoor activities and gain leadership skills. Owning the property will 
allow the Sequoia Council of the Boy Scouts to make improvements to the 
facilities located on the land. This bill, therefore, allows the Scouts 
to provide continued opportunities for young men to learn the 
importance of and actively participate in serving their community.
  Given that there is a hydroelectric facility at Shaver Lake, I have 
worked with the operator of that facility, Southern California Edison, 
to ensure it can maintain and operate its hydro project once the land 
exchange is completed. As a strong supporter of hydroelectric power, I 
am pleased to say that under my legislation--this hydro facility can 
continue to operate unencumbered.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1651 is a non-controversial piece of legislation 
that will benefit the lives of Boy Scouts for years to come. As such, I 
encourage my colleagues to support its passage.

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