[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 91 (Thursday, June 23, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1190]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK RESOLUTION

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                           HON. BOB GOODLATTE

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 23, 2011

  Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution 
celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Shenandoah National Park.
  The Shenandoah National Park is the crown jewel of Virginia's natural 
resources. Through the Shenandoah National Park, I believe that we have 
preserved a vast, beautiful piece of land for the enjoyment of American 
families. Additionally, Shenandoah National Park is an exemplary 
example of the efforts of the United States Government and the 
Commonwealth of Virginia in preserving our country's natural resources.
  Shenandoah National Park has a rich history and showcases the 
conservation work of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The park 
has been committed to adhering to these principles of stewardship and 
conservation, and thus allowing the legacy of the CCC to inspire many 
generations of Americans.
  Additionally, Shenandoah National Park is the home of Skyline Drive, 
one of America's treasured byways. Skyline Drive winds along the crest 
of the Blue Ridge Mountains for 105 miles in the Shenandoah National 
Park. The 75 overlooks along the route afford travelers extraordinary 
vistas of the Shenandoah Valley and the Piedmont region in Virginia. No 
other road in the northeast provides access to 80,000 acres of 
wilderness.
  What the Park's visitors take away from their visit to Shenandoah 
National Park and their drive along Skyline Drive is that the hills and 
valleys are directly connected to the character and aesthetics of the 
Park and its neighboring cities, towns, and counties. By conservative 
estimates, Shenandoah National Park has a $70 million impact on the 
counties surrounding the park. The health of the Shenandoah's resources 
and the health of its neighbors will forever be entwined.
  The 75th anniversary of the Shenandoah National Park is an important 
milestone. For 75 years the Shenandoah National Park has been a 
treasure for all Americans, but there are many stories waiting to be 
told. We must all be diligent to make sure that the Park's views and 
natural areas are around for tomorrow's visitors and for future 
generations to enjoy. I hope that we can continue to preserve the 
beauty of the Park, a world of beauty that can renew and bring peace to 
the spirit.

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