[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 61 (Thursday, April 17, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E645]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                THE 2008 COOPERATIVE CONSERVATION AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. REICHERT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 17, 2008

   Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I want to congratulate Mount Rainier 
National Park, the Student Conservation Association, SCA, the 
Washington's Trails Association, WTA, the National Parks Conservation 
Association, NPCA, Washington's National Park Fund, and The 
Mountaineers for being awarded the 2008 Cooperative Conservation Award, 
CCA, from the Department of the Interior. The CCA is the Department of 
Interior's highest award presented to private citizens and 
organizational partners who support the agency's mission and 
demonstrate significant contributions to its programs.
  The award was given to the coalition for their outstanding efforts in 
rebuilding damaged trails, campgrounds and other facilities at Mount 
Rainier following the disastrous floods and windstorms during the 
winter of 2006. The coalition named their efforts the Mount Rainier 
Recovery Initiative and enlisted the help of more than 700 people from 
all over the country to rebuild and solidify some of the most beautiful 
trails, campgrounds and habitats in the country. The work they did was 
truly remarkable. Their dedication is appreciated by residents of the 
Pacific Northwest and the residents of the Eighth District, the 
district I represent.
  The work by the coalition, along with countless volunteers, will be 
enjoyed for years to come by the thousands of visitors to Mount 
Rainier. With all the coalition has accomplished, their efforts 
continue by expanding their reach outside Mount Rainier to other areas 
in Washington State affected by extreme weather utilizing the success 
of their Mount Rainier Model. Again, congratulations the SCA, the WTA, 
the NPCA, Washington's National Park Fund and The Mountaineers for 
their dedication to the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest and 
urge them to continue in their efforts.

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