[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 33 (Thursday, March 1, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E301]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       INTRODUCTION OF EL YUNQUE NATIONAL FOREST PRESERVATION ACT

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                        HON. PEDRO R. PIERLUISI

                             of puerto rico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 1, 2012

  Mr. PIERLUISI. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation 
designed to preserve and protect El Yunque National Forest in Puerto 
Rico. El Yunque, which is the only tropical rainforest administered by 
the U.S. Forest Service, is a source of great pride for the people I 
represent and a major economic driver on the Island. Over one million 
people from all over the world visit El Yunque each year--to walk along 
its beautiful trails, to sample its eco-tourism pleasures, and to gain 
a greater understanding of its ecological importance. El Yunque is 
featured on a quarter released into circulation last month as part of 
the U.S. Mint's ``America the Beautiful Quarters Program,'' and a 
public launch ceremony to mark this occasion is scheduled to be held in 
El Yunque on March 14.
  To protect El Yunque's rich biodiversity and to provide a buffer zone 
against encroaching urbanization, forest administrators need to acquire 
a number of parcels of land. Thus, my legislation would require the 
Federal Government to use funds currently generated by activities 
within El Yunque for investment back into El Yunque for land 
acquisition purposes.
  I hope my colleagues will join me in taking this commonsense step to 
protect a national treasure.

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