[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 25, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E66-E67]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RANCHO CORRAL de TIERRA GOLDEN GATE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA BOUNDARY 
                        ADJUSTMENT ACT--H.R. 296

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 25, 2005

  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce important legislation to 
expand the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the Rancho Corral de 
Tierra Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) Boundary Adjustment 
Act, H.R. 296. This legislation will protect and preserve an 
extraordinary landscape and make a valuable addition to the National 
Park System at a fraction of the cost to the Federal government.
  The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is a national treasure 
preserving historic sites and open space as well as providing 
recreation in the midst of a densely populated urban area. It is one of 
our nation's most heavily used national parks. H.R. 296 would adjust 
the boundary of the GGNRA to permit the inclusion of lands directly 
adjacent to existing parkland as well as nearby lands along the Pacific 
Ocean. The upper parcels of land offer spectacular vistas, sweeping 
coastal and bay views and stunning headland scenery. Including these 
lands would also protect the important habitats of several species of 
rare or endangered plants and animals.
  The addition of 4,700 new acres to the GGNRA will be accessible to 
more than 6 million people who live within an hour's drive of the park 
and will provide national park programs and experiences to millions of 
national and international visitors. An expansive tract of 4,076 acres 
known as Rancho Corral de Tierra includes the dramatic ascent of 
Montara Mountain from the sea, 2,000 feet in just over 1 mile. It is a 
spectacular sight not duplicated anywhere else in the Park and in few 
other places on the California coast.
  With this legislation, Rancho Corral de Tierra will be preserved 
through a tripartite partnership between the National Park Service, 
California State Parks and the Peninsula Open Space Trust. For the 
Rancho Corral de Tierra property, we will seek 50 percent of the 
acquisition costs from the federal government and 50 percent through 
state and private contributions. The other properties will be donated 
by the State of California.
   The current landowner of the Rancho Corral de Tierra is the 
Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST). They purchased the entire Rancho 
Corral de Tierra site for $29.75 million to save the site from 
development and to preserve this important natural area. POST is a 
local land-conservancy trust in the San Francisco Bay Area and has a 
remarkable track record. POST has offered to donate significant funds 
towards the federal acquisition of the Rancho Corral de Tierra property 
through private contributions. The dedicated foresight and tireless 
efforts of POST led by its President Audrey Rust had enabled us to 
bring this legacy to our National Park.

  My legislation enjoys strong local support. The Golden Gate National 
Recreation Area and Point Reyes National Seashore Citizens Advisory 
Commission adopted a resolution endorsing this legislation and 
supporting the addition of these areas into the GGNRA after

[[Page E67]]

holding a public hearing and receiving public comment from local 
residents. The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors passed a 
resolution supporting enactment of this legislation. The legislation 
has the strong support of local environmental advocacy and preservation 
groups. The proposed additions were studied by POST in accordance with 
National Park Service criteria and in consultation with National Park 
Service staff. The study found that the land meets the criteria for 
additions to units of the National Park Service. The study found that 
the properties would preserve significant natural, scenic and 
recreational resources that are equal to or are unparalleled in the 
Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
  Preserving our country's unique natural areas is one of our highest 
national priorities, and it is one of my highest priorities as a Member 
of Congress. We must save these unique and rare areas for our children 
and grandchildren today or they will be lost forever. Adding these new 
lands to the GGNRA will provide greater recreational opportunities for 
the public to enjoy and will protect these fragile natural areas from 
encroaching development or other inappropriate uses which would destroy 
the scenic beauty and natural character of this key part of the 
California coast.
  I first introduced this legislation in the 107th Congress. Throughout 
that Congress and during the subsequent 108th Congress, significant 
progress has been made on this bill. Concerns were raised and have been 
thoroughly addressed throughout its consideration. I am hopeful now 
that the House will expeditiously move this bill to enactment. I am 
pleased once again to be joined by Senator Feinstein in introducing 
similar legislation in the Senate. Her leadership and support on this 
issue as a member of the Senate Energy Committee has been invaluable to 
this bill's progress. I am also proud to be joined by many members of 
the Bay Area Congressional delegation in their continued support of 
this bill, including Ms. Pelosi, Mr. George Miller of California, Ms. 
Lee, Mrs. Tauscher, Mr. Thompson of California, Mr. Stark, Mrs. 
Woolsey, Mr. Honda.
  I strongly urge my colleagues' consideration and support of the 
Rancho Corral de Tierra Golden Gate National Recreation Area Boundary 
Adjustment Act.

                          ____________________