[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 39 (Wednesday, March 17, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1679-S1680]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LONG TRAIL

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 460, submitted 
earlier today.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 460) recognizing the importance of 
     the Long Trail and the Green Mountain Club on the 100th 
     anniversary of the Long Trail.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I am pleased that the Senate will agree to 
this resolution commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Long Trail 
and the Green Mountain Club. In March 1910, James P. Taylor, a teacher 
from Vermont, fulfilled a dream held by many when he founded the Green 
Mountain Club, and created a long-distance trail to extend from 
Massachusetts to Canada.
  Spanning over 273 miles, the Long Trail is the oldest long-distance 
hiking trail in the United States, and has survived many floods, 
hurricanes, and harsh Vermont winters. The Long Trail's scenic and 
varied landscapes, from the alpine peaks of Camel's Hump and Mount 
Mansfield, to quiet woodland trails and mountain streams, have 
delighted countless tourists who have visited the Green Mountain state. 
Several Senators, a Secretary of Agriculture, and even a President have 
all enjoyed the trail.
  It is only through the hard work of the thousands of Green Mountain 
Club volunteers that the Long Trail has flourished and grown during the 
last century. The Green Mountain Club has resisted efforts to build 
highways or commercial developments that intersect with the Long Trail, 
and helped to maintain pristine Vermont forestland that we all love for 
future generations to enjoy. They have protected the habitat of many 
important woodland species, including the black bear, the moose, the 
bobcat, and migratory songbirds.
  I was pleased to secure funding to help the Green Mountain Club 
renovate their headquarters and visitors center in 2008 in anticipation 
of the centennial, so that Vermonters and tourists alike can enjoy 
Vermont's natural beauty for another 100 years. I join with all 
Vermonters, and the thousands of people from across the United States 
and around the world who have enjoyed the beauty of the Long Trail, in 
celebrating this centennial celebration.
  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to 
reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action or 
debate, and any statements related to the resolution be printed in the 
Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 460) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 460

       Whereas the Long Trail is the oldest long-distance hiking 
     trail in the United States;
       Whereas the Long Trail stretches over 273 miles, from the 
     Massachusetts to Canadian borders, with approximately 175 
     miles of side trails and more than 65 shelters;
       Whereas the Long Trail has achieved the dream of founder 
     James Taylor of creating ``a high highway, a mountain 
     footpath over the skyline of Vermont'';
       Whereas the Green Mountain Club is the founder, sponsor, 
     defender, and protector of the Long Trail;
       Whereas the Green Mountain Club has delivered 100 years of 
     conservation, community education, and outreach on local 
     ecology;
       Whereas the Long Trail has protected the habitat of many 
     important species for future generations, including the black 
     bear, the moose, the bobcat, and migratory songbirds;
       Whereas the thousands of members and dedicated volunteers 
     of the Green Mountain Club have worked to maintain, manage, 
     and protect the Long Trail for the benefit of the people of 
     the State of Vermont during the last century;
       Whereas the Long Trail is a popular tourist destination for 
     people from around the world, including Senators, a Secretary 
     of Agriculture, and even a President;
       Whereas the Long Trail allows the people of the State of 
     Vermont and tourists to enjoy the Green Mountain State and 
     all the beauty and history the State has to offer;
       Whereas the Green Mountain Club has successfully conserved 
     the entire corridor of the Long Trail, fought efforts to 
     build highways or commercial developments that intersect with 
     the Long Trail, and helped to maintain pristine Vermont 
     forestland for future generations to enjoy; and
       Whereas the Green Mountain Club has recognized members 
     regardless of sex or race since the founding of the club: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate recognizes the 100th anniversary 
     of the Long Trail of the

[[Page S1680]]

     State of Vermont, the oldest long-distance hiking trail in 
     the United States, and applauds the Green Mountain Club and 
     the many volunteers of the Green Mountain Club for a century 
     of service and for creating, protecting, and enjoying the 
     Long Trail.

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