[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 154 (Friday, November 18, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S13334]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MR. BEN WORTHINGTON

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
dedicated steward of our national forests, Mr. Ben Worthington. Last 
month, Ben retired from the National Forest Service after 32 years of 
service. For the last 10 of these years, my home State of Kentucky was 
fortunate to have him serve as forest supervisor of the Daniel Boone 
National Forest.
  Ben began his forestry career at Washington State University, where 
he earned a degree in forest management. After graduating, he joined 
the Peace Corps and was relocated to Costa Rica for 2 years. Upon his 
return, he worked for the Forest Service in his home State of Oregon 
and eventually in Washington State and California. Before moving to 
Kentucky, he was the deputy forest supervisor at Bridger Teton National 
Forest in Wyoming.
  As forest supervisor of the Daniel Boone National Forest, Ben oversaw 
the day-to-day operation and preservation of Kentucky's only national 
forest. The Daniel Boone National Forest covers over 700,000 acres of 
land from the northeastern part of the Commonwealth of Kentucky all the 
way to the Tennessee State line, and also includes some noncontiguous 
counties in eastern Kentucky. This Kentucky treasure has something for 
every outdoor enthusiast. With over 600 miles of trails, it can be 
hiked, biked, and explored on horseback. Visitors may also fish, hunt, 
and camp in the forest, making it a popular weekend getaway or vacation 
destination.
  I had the privilege to team up with Ben by securing funds over the 
years to help with the marijuana eradication operations on or near the 
national forest land. Ben and his staff have worked in lockstep with 
the local sheriff's departments, the Kentucky State Police, and the 
Kentucky National Guard to identify and destroy marijuana plants. They 
have done a terrific job, and I know that Ben's success will be carried 
on by his successor.
  After working for 32 years in the Forest Service, Ben plans to remain 
in Kentucky. His wife is active in their local community of Winchester, 
his mother now calls Kentucky home, and his two children attend Western 
Kentucky University. Ben's work ethic, dedication, and love of the land 
will be greatly missed, but it is time for him to start a new chapter, 
and I wish Ben the best in his retirement.

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