[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 114 (Monday, July 27, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2019]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING SUZI AND FRED DOW FOR THEIR DEDICATION TO PROMOTING OUR 
                            NATIONAL FORESTS

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                        HON. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 27, 2009

  Ms. GIFFORDS. Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to pay tribute 
today to Suzi and Fred Dow, residents of Bisbee, Arizona who have 
dedicated themselves to educating the public on the rich experiences of 
our National Forests.
  Like other pioneers of the west, they possess a thirst for the 
unexplored, acting as guides to our nation's greatest resource, our 
National Forests. Together, Suzi and Fred have personally researched 
and surveyed 2,367 campgrounds in over 153 National Forests.
  Since 1994, they have traveled over 275,000 miles in their meticulous 
journey through our nation's wilderness. Today, they are in the midst 
of exploring the Superior National Forest of Minnesota, the fifth 
destination of their current five month adventure.
  Suzi and Fred publish their findings on a Web site, 
www.forestcamping.com, hosting almost 4,000 photographs that illustrate 
National Forest sights and campgrounds. The Web site receives over 
300,000 hits a day and features an active forum, blog, and monthly 
newsletter titled, The Wanderings.
  In addition to their website, Suzi and Fred have published 9 books in 
an effort to promote national forests and camping opportunities. 
Through their Web site and books, they share an articulate, detailed 
narrative of their wanderings as well as practical advice, such as how 
to cook pasta at high elevations.
  In 2003, the USDA Forest Service recorded more than 200 million 
visitors, who contributed over $7.5 billion to the local communities in 
and around National Forests. Suzi and Fred's efforts indirectly 
stimulate the economy of these communities, at no cost to the 
government.
  The Southwestern author Edward Abbey once said, ``Wilderness is not a 
luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.'' Suzi and Fred encourage 
people to indulge in that necessity, while also developing an 
understanding of the importance of National Forests to the health and 
well being of our country.
  Thank you, Suzi and Fred, for documenting the beauty of our country 
and sharing your experiences with all of us.

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