[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 64 (Friday, April 20, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E815]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF THE FORT STANTON-SNOWY RIVER CAVE NATIONAL CONSERVATION 
                                AREA ACT

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                           HON. STEVAN PEARCE

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 20, 2007

  Mr. PEARCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Fort 
Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area Act. This bill is a 
companion to legislation introduced by my state's Senior Senator, Mr. 
Domenici. Last year, the Senate passed this legislation but the House 
was unable to act on it before we recessed. It is my hope by 
introducing the bill today we can push the process along and get this 
legislation done this year.
  The Fort Stanton Cave is a tremendous national resource, which 
includes a cave that has calcite flowing all along the cave formations. 
This truly rare resource deserves our protection. As the Representative 
of Carlsbad Caverns National Park, I am aware of how amazing cave 
formations can be and how valuable they are to educate and inspire our 
children.
  This legislation does the following: (1) creates a Fort Stanton-Snowy 
River Cave Conservation Area to protect, secure and conserve the 
natural and unique features of the Snowy River Cave; (2) instructs the 
BLM to prepare a map and legal description of the Snowy River Cave, and 
to develop a comprehensive, long-term management plan for the cave 
area; (3) authorizes the conservation of the unique features and 
environs in the cave for scientific, educational and other public uses 
deemed safe and appropriate under the management plan; (4) authorizes 
the BLM to work with State and other institutions and to cooperate with 
Lincoln County to address the historical involvement of the local 
community; (5) protects the caves from mineral and mining leasing 
operations.
  This cave is a valuable resource that in time will share with us its 
many wonders, but to do that we must preserve this resource for the 
future. I hope that my colleagues will join me in supporting these 
important protections.

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