[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 134 (Tuesday, September 22, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H9761-H9763]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF HAWK MOUNTAIN SANCTUARY

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 670) congratulating and saluting the Hawk 
Mountain Sanctuary for celebrating its 75th anniversary, commending the 
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary for its contributions to the preservation of 
wildlife and the native ecology of the Appalachian Mountains and 
eastern Pennsylvania, and commending the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary for 
its dedication to educating the public and the international community 
about wildlife conservation.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 670

       Whereas Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is a year-round wildlife 
     sanctuary that introduces students and visitors to the 
     natural beauty of the central Appalachian Mountains of 
     eastern Pennsylvania;
       Whereas the 2,600 acres of woodland in the sanctuary and 
     more than 13,000 acres of private and public lands in the 
     area comprise one of the largest protected tracts of 
     contiguous forest in eastern Pennsylvania;
       Whereas the sanctuary consists of 8 miles of ridge and 
     valley trails for visitors to hike and explore;
       Whereas Hawk Mountain Sanctuary was the first refuge for 
     birds of prey in the world;
       Whereas over 12,000 raptors of various species find refuge 
     in the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary every year;
       Whereas during the autumn months, visitors have the unique 
     opportunity to view numerous raptors of various species 
     participating in a yearly migration through Pennsylvania;
       Whereas Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is internationally known as 
     a global information hub and a leader in the field of raptor 
     biology and raptor conservation;
       Whereas the sanctuary has a full-time staff of 16 employees 
     and a volunteer workforce of more than 200 dedicated members;
       Whereas the sanctuary staff works continually with world-
     class raptor scientists, conservationists, graduate students, 
     and international interns to collaborate, collect, and 
     analyze information and to formulate and test new 
     conservation strategies;
       Whereas Hawk Mountain Sanctuary offers weekend programs for 
     local residents, guided programs for students and groups, and 
     fully accredited college-level courses in cooperation with 
     Cedar Crest College, located in Allentown, Pennsylvania;
       Whereas the sanctuary makes a concerted effort to work with 
     local and regional conservationists in researching and 
     preserving the ecology of the Appalachian Mountains;
       Whereas the springs, ephemeral streams, vernal pools, and 
     four small ponds of the mountains, as well as the nearby 
     Little Schuylkill River and Kettle Creek, provide a crucial 
     habitat for rare plants, invertebrates, and amphibians;
       Whereas amateur ornithologist Richard Pough first noticed 
     the area as an important location for raptor activity and 
     brought attention to the area and its rich population of 
     raptors by photographing the controversial hunting of hawks 
     for sport;
       Whereas in 1934, national conservationist Rosalie Edge 
     visited Hawk Mountain after viewing photographs taken by 
     Richard Pough, and with the guidance of bird conservationists 
     Maurice and Irma Broun, advocated for an end to the sport 
     hunting of hawks on the land before purchasing the land and 
     opening it as a sanctuary for public use;
       Whereas Rosalie Edge deeded the 1,400 acres to the Hawk 
     Mountain Sanctuary Association, which was incorporated in 
     Pennsylvania in 1938 as a nonprofit organization;
       Whereas in 1965, the Secretary of the Interior designated 
     the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary as a registered natural landmark;
       Whereas in 1976, the Conservation Internship Program of the 
     sanctuary was initiated, and the program has since trained 
     280 young conservationists representing 52 countries on 6 
     continents;
       Whereas in 1987, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary received the 
     prestigious Chevron Conservation Award; and
       Whereas in 2002, the Acopian Center for Conservation 
     Learning opened and the Wings of Wonder Gallery was 
     dedicated: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) congratulates and salutes the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary 
     for celebrating its 75th anniversary;
       (2) commends the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary for its 
     contributions to the preservation of wildlife, especially 
     birds of prey, and the native ecology of the Appalachian 
     Mountains and eastern Pennsylvania; and
       (3) commends the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary for its dedication 
     to educating the public and the international community about 
     wildlife conservation.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Guam (Ms. Bordallo) and the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Chaffetz) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Guam.


                             General Leave

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Guam?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 75th anniversary of 
the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, a critical wildlife sanctuary, a research 
area, and environmental education center. Established in 1934 as the 
first refuge for birds of prey in the world, the sanctuary, which is 
located in eastern Pennsylvania, provides a rest area for over 12,000 
raptors every year during their migrations. It also attracts scientists 
and students to explore new conservation strategies for birds of prey. 
The sanctuary's 2,600 acres also provides year-round public access to 
pristine woodland trails, overlooks,

[[Page H9762]]

and education programs that give students an up close and personal view 
of these majestic birds.
  I commend Congressman Dent from Pennsylvania for introducing this 
resolution, and I urge its passage.
  With that, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 670 would congratulate the Hawk 
Mountain Sanctuary on the 75th anniversary of its establishment as the 
world's first refuge for birds of prey.
  From its humble beginnings in 1934 when Miss Rosalie Edge deeded 
1,400 acres to the private nonprofit Hawk Mountain Sanctuary 
Association, more than 60,000 people visit this sanctuary each year to 
enjoy the majestic flights of more than 12,000 eagles, falcons and 
hawks that live there.
  This resolution also commends the sanctuary for its dedication to the 
conservation of wildlife and for its efforts to educate the public and 
the international community on the vital role that birds of prey play 
in the ecosystems throughout the world.
  I would like to compliment Congressman Charlie Dent of Allentown, 
Pennsylvania, for his outstanding leadership in proposing this 
legislation. I am happy to join with him in congratulating the Hawk 
Mountain Sanctuary on its 75th birthday.
  I urge an ``aye'' vote, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to 
the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Dent).
  Mr. DENT. I would like to thank those supporting this legislation 
today.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this resolution, which 
I introduced with my colleague from Pennsylvania, Tim Holden.
  This fall, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, located in beautiful Berks 
County, Pennsylvania, is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Located at 
the boundary of three counties--Berks, Schuylkill and Lehigh--and as 
the world's first refuge for birds of prey, Hawk Mountain has an 
extremely rich history in eastern Pennsylvania and has become one of 
the preeminent wildlife sanctuaries in the United States.
  In 1934, noted wildlife conservationist Rosalie Edge was drawn to 
Hawk Mountain after learning large numbers of hawks were being killed 
as they migrated along the Appalachian Mountains' Kittatinny Ridge. 
After this initial visit, Edge leased 1,400 acres of the ridge for a 
mere $500 and opened it to the public as a place for local residents to 
view birds of prey in their natural habitat. Later, the property was 
deeded to the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association, which oversaw the 
preservation of the land and protection of its wildlife.
  Since its modest beginnings in the 1930s, Hawk Mountain has remained 
a year-round wildlife sanctuary that introduces students and visitors 
to the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains and the many birds 
of prey that call the range home. Today, 16 full-time employees and a 
volunteer workforce of over 200 dedicated members help educate 
thousands of visitors each year about the value of preserving the 
native ecology of eastern Pennsylvania.
  With the goal of providing a unique and engaging educational 
experience for its visitors, Hawk Mountain offers weekend programs for 
local residents, guided programs for students and groups, and fully 
accredited college-level courses in cooperation with Cedar Crest 
College located in my congressional district.
  In addition to educating the public, the employees and volunteers at 
Hawk Mountain have contributed greatly to the development of effective 
conservation practices that help preserve vital ecosystems throughout 
the world. The sanctuary staff works with world-class raptor 
scientists, conservationists, graduate students, and international 
interns to collect and analyze important information as well as 
formulate and test new conservation strategies.
  The natural beauty and value of Hawk Mountain and the achievements of 
the sanctuary's devoted staff have not gone unnoticed over the years. 
In 1965, Hawk Mountain was designated a Registered National Natural 
Landmark by the U.S. Department of Interior, ranking it as one of the 
best examples of biological and geological features in America. Over 20 
years later, the sanctuary received the prestigious Chevron 
Conservation Award, North America's oldest private conservation honor, 
which recognizes significant contributions to the preservation of 
natural resources in the United States.
  Mr. Speaker, today's consideration of the resolution couldn't come at 
a more appropriate time. During the autumn months, visitors to Hawk 
Mountain have the unique opportunity to view numerous raptors of 
various species participate in their yearly migration through 
Pennsylvania. Currently, the sanctuary is in the midst of its annual 
Hawk Watch, which runs from August 15 to December 15. In this period, 
the sanctuary records the number of raptors migrating past its scenic 
north lookout. Yesterday, visitors spotted over 600 hawks of varying 
species, 26 ospreys, four bald eagles, and a single falcon in the skies 
over Berks County. Clearly, Hawk Mountain provides a remarkable chance 
for bird enthusiasts and novices alike to view the migration of 
critical and sometimes rare bird species.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend Hawk Mountain Sanctuary for its contributions 
to the preservation of wildlife, especially birds of prey, as well as 
the native ecology of the Appalachian Mountains and eastern 
Pennsylvania. I also applaud the sanctuary for its dedication to 
educating the American public and international community about 
wildlife conservation. In fact, a celebration of Hawk Mountain's 75th 
anniversary just occurred a week ago on Saturday, September 12. It was 
a joyous occasion for all who attended. I know I enjoyed it thoroughly, 
as did many hundreds of others who came to celebrate time at Hawk 
Mountain.
  Finally, I would encourage my colleagues to join me in officially 
congratulating and saluting Hawk Mountain on its 75th anniversary and 
wish the sanctuary and its staff many, many more years of achievement. 
And I wish the visitors all happy and engaging times there.
  Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 670, 
congratulating and saluting the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary for celebrating 
its 75th anniversary, commending the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary for its 
contributions to the preservation of wildlife and the native ecology of 
the Appalachian Mountains and eastern Pennsylvania, and commending the 
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary for its dedication to educating the public and 
the international community about wildlife conservation.
  Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is a wild bird sanctuary near Kempton, 
Pennsylvania, in my district. Hawk Mountain is located along the 
Appalachian flyway, which is one of several very important flyways 
located in the U.S. It has been called the ``center of the universe'' 
for hawk watchers along the Appalachian flyway, bringing an average of 
20,000 hawks, eagles, and falcons past the lookouts during late summer 
and fall every year.
  Visitors to the sanctuary, who number about 60,000 annually, learn 
about conservation of the raptor population. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is 
the world's oldest wildlife sanctuary exclusively committed to the 
protection and observation of birds of prey. The sanctuary's annual 
count of hawks, eagles and falcons, which is the world's longest record 
of raptor populations, provides valuable information on changes in 
raptor numbers in northeastern North America.
  Hawk Mountain Sanctuary plays an important role in conserving birds 
of prey worldwide, providing leadership in raptor conservation science 
and education, and maintaining a model observation, research and 
education facility. Therefore, I am pleased to honor the 75th 
anniversary of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.
  Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, with no additional speakers, I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I again urge Members to support this bill.
  I want to thank my colleague from Utah (Mr. Chaffetz) for managing 
the bills on the floor today with me.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from Guam (Ms. Bordallo) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 670.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

[[Page H9763]]



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