[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 123 (Wednesday, September 28, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10601-S10602]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS
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SENATE RESOLUTION 254--MARKING THE DEDICATION OF THE GAYLORD NELSON
WILDERNESS WITHIN THE APOSTLE ISLANDS NATIONAL LAKESHORE
Mr. FEINGOLD (for himself and Mr. Kohl) submitted the following
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources:
S. Res. 254
Whereas the Honorable Gaylord Nelson, a State Senator,
Governor, and United States Senator from Wisconsin, devoted
his life to protecting the environment by championing issues
of land protection, wildlife habitat, environmental health,
and increased environmental awareness, including founding
Earth Day;
Whereas the Honorable Gaylord Nelson authored the Apostle
Islands National Lakeshore Act, which led to the protection
of one of the most beautiful areas in Wisconsin and
recognized the rich assemblage of natural resources, cultural
heritage, and scenic features on Wisconsin's north coast and
21 islands of the 22-island archipelago;
Whereas the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore was
designated a National Park on September 26, 1970;
Whereas, on December 8, 2004, approximately 80 percent of
the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore was designated the
Gaylord Nelson Wilderness;
Whereas the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness within the Apostle
Islands National Lakeshore provides a refuge for many species
of birds, including threatened bald eagles and endangered
piping plovers, herring-billed gulls, double-crested
cormorants, and great blue herons, and is a safe haven for a
variety of amphibians, such as blue-spotted salamanders, red-
backed salamanders, gray treefrogs, and mink frogs, and is a
sanctuary for several mammals, including river otters, black
bears, snowshoe hares, and fishers;
Whereas the official dedication of the Gaylord Nelson
Wilderness occurred on August 8, 2005, 36 days after the
Honorable Gaylord Nelson's passing; and
Whereas the Honorable Gaylord Nelson changed the
consciousness of our Nation and embodied the principle that 1
person can change the world, and the creation of the Gaylord
Nelson Wilderness is a small, but fitting, recognition of his
efforts: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) recognizes the Honorable Gaylord Nelson's environmental
legacy;
(2) celebrates the dedication of the Gaylord Nelson
Wilderness within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore; and
(3) requests that the Secretary of the Senate transmit an
enrolled copy of this resolution to the family of the
Senator.
Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, December 8, 2004, approximately 80
percent of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin was
designated the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness. Although we did not formally
celebrate the new wilderness area until August 8, 2005, we have been
delighting in the designation ever since December of last year.
The designation of the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness within the Apostle
Islands National Lakeshore on August 8, 2005 was a tremendous occasion
for both Wisconsin and the country. I was deeply honored to participate
in the ceremony marking the creation of the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness.
I knew Gaylord, and am proud to occupy his Senate seat. Like all of
those in attendance at the dedication ceremony, including Tia Nelson,
Governor Doyle, Congressman Obey, local officials, tribal chairs, and
many others, I was deeply saddened that Gaylord wasn't able to be
sitting among us, having passed away on July 3, 2005.
However, I do believe that, because the area, the magnificent
Apostles, and the wilderness designation we were celebrating were such
a part of Gaylord, he was in fact there with us that day, urging us to
mark the achievement and to continue his life's work of building a
national conservation ethic. As we all know, while his record of
achievements is long and impressive, it is Senator Nelson's passion and
commitment to protecting our environment that will remain the
centerpiece of his legacy. For this reason, Senator Kohl and I have
submitted a resolution to bring recognition to Gaylord's unwavering
efforts on behalf of the environment and to celebrate the dedication of
a wilderness area rightly named in his honor.
Gaylord so believed in his responsibility to the environment that he
started a revolution that has inspired millions of people from across
the globe. The day he created in 1970--Earth Day--has become a cause
for celebration, education, and reflection for all. Simply stated,
Gaylord Nelson changed the consciousness of a Nation, and quite
possibly the world. He was a distinguished Governor and Senator, a
recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and a personal hero of
mine. Most importantly, he was the embodiment of the principle that one
person can change the world.
August 8, 2005 marked the beginning of a new period for the Apostle
Islands and I could not be more proud of this. In 1998, Representative
Obey and I asked for a wilderness survey. Seven years later, we finally
gathered to salute the awe-inspiring resource as well as the man who
dedicated himself to protecting our environment, particularly those
places where we humans are but humble visitors--wilderness areas. Let
us not forget, however, that before we could talk about having a
wilderness area within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, we had
to have a National Lakeshore. I am sure it will come as no surprise
that Gaylord was essential in the effort to recognize the Apostle
Islands as a national treasure.
The wild and primitive nature of the Apostles and now the Gaylord
Nelson Wilderness has always been an attraction, not only for Wisconsin
residents but for people from across the globe. At the Apostles you can
find pristine old growth forests; wetlands that are home to an
astounding ecological diversity; birds that travel long distances and
use the islands for respite; and amphibians, which can act as
indicators of the Park's environmental health.
It is a truly amazing place.
And people know it. In fact, just recently, the Apostles was rated
the #1 National Park in the U.S. by National Geographic Traveler. The
rating was based on a variety of factors, most notably environmental
and ecological quality, social and cultural integrity, and the outlook
for the future.
We have it all in the Park--ecological and cultural resources
intertwined with one another. The history of the islands is a history
of people living off, and very much in balance with, the land and water
surrounding them. A visit to the Apostles and the Gaylord Nelson
Wilderness can be, if we let go of the trappings of modern society, an
enlightening voyage that challenges us to think about those who came
before us, those who will follow us, and the connections between us and
the natural resources we depend on for our survival.
The Ojibwae, who Wisconsinites know were the original inhabitants of
the Apostles, had great respect for the resources. They believed in
taking something only if they were giving something in return. The
Ojibwae people understood their dependence on the environment long
before many others began contemplating such a relationship.
Unfortunately, as a society, we have not always heeded their example.
We must be better stewards of our land, our air, and our water. Gaylord
pushed us toward that goal every day of his life. And, what better way
to mark the dedication of the Wilderness Area named in his honor than
for each of us to dedicate ourselves to actively carrying his legacy
forward. That is Gaylord's challenge for all of us.
So many people supported the creation of the Lakeshore and the
Wilderness area. The support has taken many forms--all of which have
added to the success of our Park and the wilderness designation. I am
especially grateful for the families who have donated their properties,
many of which are filled with childhood and other cherished family
memories, for the betterment of
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the whole Apostle Islands and now the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness. Future
generations whom none of us will ever know will benefit deeply from
their commitment to one of Wisconsin's most treasured places.
Every time I visit the Apostles and pieces of what are now the
Gaylord Nelson Wilderness, I depart with a sense of inner peace and
clarity. A New York Times journalist wrote about the Apostle Islands
National Lakeshore in 1972, saying he encountered a ``silence so
intense you can hear it.'' I believe that what all those who visit the
Gaylord Nelson Wilderness are bound to hear through that ``intense
silence'' is Gaylord himself calling them to action.
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