[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 9 (Wednesday, February 2, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E160]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CARIBBEAN NATIONAL FOREST ACT OF 2005

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                           HON. LUIS FORTUNO

                             of puerto rico

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 2, 2005

  Mr. FORTUNO. Mr. Speaker, during these cold Washington winter days, 
when the temperature hovers near freezing and another snow emergency is 
called, I wanted to take this opportunity to remind my Colleagues of my 
Puerto Rico. I hope that my Colleagues will think of the lush tropical 
island with warm sun, the inviting white beaches and the aqua blue 
waters. That is my Puerto Rico but my home is much, much more than 
that.
  While for many, their thoughts of Puerto Rico end at the beaches, the 
fact is that the Island is a diverse landscape with vibrant 
communities, impressive mountains and a tropical rainforest that is 
home to hundreds of species of plants, trees and vertebrates. It is 
that part of my homeland that I would like to bring to my Colleagues 
attention today.
  The Caribbean National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the 
U.S. Forest System, is a historic and natural treasure to both Puerto 
Rico and our Nation. The Spanish Crown proclaimed much of the current 
CNF as a forest reserve in 1824. Recently the CNF celebrated its 100th 
anniversary, commemorating the date when President Theodore Roosevelt 
reasserted the protection of the CNF by designating the area as a 
forest reserve.
  Located 25 miles east of San Juan, the forest is a biologically rich. 
The CNF ranks number one among all national forests in the number of 
species of native trees with 240. In addition, the CNF has a wide 
variety of orchids and over 150 species of ferns. There are over 100 
species of vertebrates in the forest. Of particular note is the 
endangered Puerto Rican parrot. At the time that Columbus set sails for 
the New World, there were approximately one million of these 
distinctive parrots, today there are under 100.
  The CNF is integral to the lives of hundreds of thousands of Puerto 
Ricans. It is a major source of water to the island. The CNF receives 
over 10 feet of rain each year. As a result, the major watersheds in 
the CNF are able to provide water to over 800,000 residents. In 
addition, the CNF provides a variety of recreational opportunities to 
the nearly 1,000,000 Puerto Ricans and tourists each year. Families, 
friends and school groups come to the forest to hike, bird watch, 
picnic, swim and enjoy the scenic vistas.
  A resource this special needs to be protected for current and future 
generations. For this reason, I am introducing today my first 
legislation as a Member of Congress, ``The Caribbean National Forest 
Act of 2005.'' My legislation builds upon earlier proposals introduced 
in the House and the Senate. These proposals, endorsed by the Bush 
Administration, The Wilderness Society and the National Hispanic 
Environmental Council, would protect approximately 10,000 acres of the 
most crucial portions of the CNF as the El Toro Wilderness. My bill 
would insure that this crucial watershed, this diverse and vibrant 
ecosystem, and a major recreational destination in Puerto Rico will 
remain available for generations to come.
  Mr. Speaker, soon after I was elected to office by the people of 
Puerto Rico. I visited the CNF and met with Forest Supervisor Pablo 
Cruz. During my visit, I recalled the many times that I have visited 
the CNF with my family and friends. I want this special place to be 
there for our future generations. My legislation, the Caribbean 
National Forest Act of 2005, will make that goal a reality.

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