[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 43 (Thursday, April 6, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E543-E544]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN SUPPORT OF THE EASTERN SIERRA RURAL HERITAGE AND ECONOMIC 
                            ENHANCEMENT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. HOWARD P. ``BUCK'' McKEON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 6, 2006

  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, today I take pleasure in introducing the 
Eastern Sierra Rural Heritage and Economic Enhancement Act.
  As you are aware, I am fortunate enough to claim the majority of 
California's Eastern Sierra Mountains as part of my district. My 
legislation will protect some of the most pristine land in California 
for the enjoyment of my constituents in the 25th District, and the 
visitors we welcome to the Eastern Sierra's each year.
  My legislation calls for three wilderness additions: the Hoover 
Wilderness Addition, the Emigrant Wilderness Addition, and the Amargosa 
Wild and Scenic River Addition. The Hoover Wilderness Addition rests in 
between Yosemite National Park, the existing Hoover Wilderness, and the 
Emigrant Wilderness, and designates 39,680 acres of 11,000 foot 
mountain peaks, glacial valleys, alpine lakes, and conifer forests as 
protected wilderness area. The Emigrant Wilderness addition lies 
adjacent to the existing Emigrant Wilderness, and claims two miles of 
the Pacific Crest Trail. The Amargosa Wild and Scenic River Addition 
designates a 24-mile stretch of river as protected, and divides the 
section into three parts: wild, scenic, and recreational.

[[Page E544]]

  Given the popularity of these areas, it is necessary to find a 
compromise between protection of the land and local wildlife, and 
recreational sport. This legislation provides such a compromise, 
affording land for recreation and preservation. Preserving wilderness 
areas for future generations is imperative, and I am pleased to present 
this bill as an opportunity to do so.
  Mr. Speaker, this legislation is the result of a great deal of 
compromise, cooperation, and support. Assistance from the Mono County 
Board of Supervisors which claims the Hoover and Emigrant Wilderness 
Addition, and the Inyo County Board of Supervisors which claims the 
Amargosa River Addition has been vital to the introduction of this 
legislation. This bill required compromise and cooperation between the 
local environmental community and the Bureau of Land Management, and I 
am pleased with the agreement that has been reached by both parties. 
Support from Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, as well as my 
constituents in the 25th District make it a distinct pleasure to 
introduce this legislation, and I encourage my colleagues to support 
the Eastern Sierra Rural Heritage and Economic Enhancement Act.

                          ____________________