[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 186 (Thursday, December 6, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S14857]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 392--RECOGNIZING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF EVERGLADES 
                             NATIONAL PARK

  Mr. NELSON of Florida (for himself and Mr. Martinez) submitted the 
following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 392

       Whereas Everglades National Park will celebrate its 60th 
     anniversary on December 6, 2007;
       Whereas when President Harry S Truman dedicated Everglades 
     National Park on December 6, 1947, he stated: ``Here is land, 
     tranquil in its quiet beauty, serving not as the source of 
     water, but as the last receiver of it. To its natural 
     abundance we owe the spectacular plant and animal life that 
     distinguishes this place from all others in our country'';
       Whereas Marjory Stoneman Douglas gave the Everglades the 
     name ``River of Grass'' stating, ``There are no other 
     Everglades in the world'';
       Whereas Everglades National Park has been designated an 
     International Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Site, and a 
     Wetland of International Importance, in recognition of its 
     significance to all the people of the world;
       Whereas the Everglades ecosystem encompasses 3,000,000 
     acres of wetlands and is the largest subtropical wilderness 
     in the United States featuring slow-moving freshwater that 
     flows south from Lake Okeechobee through sawgrass and tree 
     islands to the mangroves and seagrasses of Florida Bay;
       Whereas Everglades National Park is home to rare and 
     endangered species, such as the American crocodile, the 
     Florida panther, and the Western Indian manatee and more than 
     350 species of birds, including the Great Egret, Wood Stork, 
     Swallow-tailed Kite, and Roseate Spoonbill;
       Whereas the greater Everglades ecosystem is also an 
     international center for business, agriculture, and tourism, 
     with a rapidly growing population of varied ethnic, economic, 
     and social values, all of which are dependent on a fully 
     functioning ecosystem for an adequate freshwater supply, a 
     healthy and sustainable economy, and overall quality of life;
       Whereas Everglades National Park is the subject of the most 
     extensive ecosystem restoration plan in the history of 
     mankind, the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan; and
       Whereas this restoration plan must succeed in order for the 
     treasures of Everglades National Park to be passed on to our 
     children and grandchildren: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes the 60th anniversary of Everglades National 
     Park; and
       (2) dedicates itself to the success of the Comprehensive 
     Everglades Restoration Plan.

                          ____________________