[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 185 (Monday, December 5, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2180]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF SAVE THE AMERICAN RIVER 
                              ASSOCIATION

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 5, 2011

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Save the 
American River Association (SARA), as the organization's staff, 
volunteers, and supporters celebrate its 50th anniversary. It is my 
pleasure to recognize SARA's dedication to preserving the American 
River for future generations, and I ask all my colleagues to join me in 
honoring their leadership in protecting the American River.
  Established in 1961, SARA, a grassroots non-profit organization, has 
grown to a group of over 600 members. Initially, SARA was founded to 
establish the American River Parkway. The American River is designated 
both as a state and national wild and scenic river. It is governed by 
the American River Parkway Plan, which is approved by the State 
Legislature upon recommendation of the Sacramento County Board of 
Supervisors.
  The efforts of thousands of SARA volunteers who contributed countless 
work hours to maintaining and improving the parkway over the last 50 
years are evident as the American River Parkway has come to be known as 
the ``Jewel of Sacramento.'' The American River offers a unique 
wildlife and recreation area that provides for fishing, boating, 
rafting, picnicking sites, golfing, and nature historic tours for 
Sacramento residents and visitors.
  SARA has been able to ensure a clean, comfortable and safe 
environment along the river. Volunteers work to preserve the native 
habitat and vegetation, improve public safety, reduce the threat of 
fires and increase the public's stewardship of the American River.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to the Save the American 
River Association and the organization's continuous commitment to 
providing the public with access to the incredibly beautiful American 
River. Their past 50 years have been tremendously successful and I am 
confident SARA will continue to enjoy great success in the future. 
While the SARA staff, volunteers and supporters gather together to 
celebrate the organization's 50th anniversary, I ask my colleagues to 
join me in honoring their outstanding work in keeping the American 
River the ``Jewel of Sacramento.''

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