[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 56 (Thursday, April 2, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H4401]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING SECRETARY MIKE DIBERARDINIS

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. I come to the floor today to honor a 
man that exemplifies public service--a man that hails from the big city 
of Philadelphia, but who has had a profound impact on my rural 
district.
  Secretary Mike DiBerardinis has served the Rendell administration and 
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with distinction for the past 6 years 
as the head of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, or 
DCNR.
  While I have only had limited interaction with the Secretary 
personally, his work for the Pennsylvania Wilds Initiative--a nature 
tourism program that encompasses my district--speaks volumes about his 
character and his dedication to rural Pennsylvania.
  Under the Secretary's leadership, DCNR has taken the PA Wilds from a 
concept to a budding program, highlighting the beautiful landscape and 
the many attractions of central and northwestern Pennsylvania. From 
hiking, to biking, to backpacking, and skiing, Pennsylvania Wilds has 
it all.
  In fact, this past summer, the Secretary was in my hometown breaking 
ground on the State's first Nature Inn, in Bald Eagle State Park--
adding yet another component to an already robust State park system.
  So while tomorrow is the Secretary's last day at the helm, I want to 
say thank you. Thank you for your service to rural Pennsylvania. Your 
leadership and vision has made a lasting impression.

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