[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 87 (Thursday, June 29, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1324]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       FISH STOCKING IN THE NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK COMPLEX

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                           HON. DOC HASTINGS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 29, 2006

  Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing 
legislation that will enable the continued stocking of fish in certain 
alpine lakes in the North Cascades National Park Complex, which 
includes the North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National 
Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.
  For many decades, volunteer groups--working with the State of 
Washington have stocked trout in a number of lakes in this area. This 
provides enhanced recreation and tourism opportunities in the North 
Cascades.
  As you may know, the National Park Service as a general policy is 
moving away from artificially stocking fish. In this case, however, a 
12-year university review indicates that the fish stocking program can 
be carried out in such a way as to not adversely affect the 
environment.
  In order to protect this longstanding practice in the North Cascades, 
I am introducing legislation today that affirms that fish stocking can 
continue under certain conditions. While I believe the National Park 
Service already has the authority to do this under the act that 
established the park in 1968, the agency requires further clarification 
from Congress in order to proceed with a proposed management plan 
revision that would allow this practice to continue under the auspices 
of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
  I am pleased to be joined today upon introduction of this bill by 
Rick Larsen, Norm Dicks, and Cathy McMorris. I look forward to working 
with my colleagues from Washington to make sure that our constituents 
can continue to enjoy the recreation opportunities created by fish 
stocking in the North Cascades.

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