[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 50 (Tuesday, March 27, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E459]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




A TRIBUTE TO WOODY SMECK, SUPERINTENDENT OF THE SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS 
                        NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 27, 2012

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Woody Smeck 
for his extraordinary service as Superintendent of the Santa Monica 
Mountains National Recreation Area. After 21 years of service in the 
park, Mr. Smeck will depart from his position in order to become the 
Deputy Superintendent at Yosemite National Park.
  The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, the nation's 
largest urban national park, consists of 153,750 acres of mixed public 
open space and private lands surrounded by a metropolitan region of 
more than 19 million people. Annual visitation to local, state and 
federal parklands within the national recreation area exceeds 33 
million visitors, making it one of the most visited recreation 
destinations in the country. More than 70 agencies and organizations 
are involved in partnership efforts to preserve open space resources 
and provide outdoor recreation opportunities. This level of partnership 
has served as a national model for other parklands and attracted the 
attention of key government and non-profit leaders looking to replicate 
the success of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
  As Superintendent, Mr. Smeck serves on a variety of commissions and 
boards in Los Angeles and Ventura counties dealing with conservation of 
protected areas and connecting people to nature and places of 
historical significance. During his tenure as Superintendent, Mr. Smeck 
has overseen some of the largest and most significant parkland 
acquisitions, the development of an interagency visitor center, and the 
completion of the 65-mile Backbone Trail. His steadfast leadership and 
advocacy has increased the visibility of the Santa Monica Mountains 
National Recreation Area. Mr. Smeck has also hosted visits from 
Presidents, cabinet secretaries, Members of Congress, governors, 
international governments, blue ribbon commissions and environmental 
leaders.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Woody 
Smeck for his extraordinary service as Superintendent of the Santa 
Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Under his leadership, the 
National Park Service has helped to promote conservation, protect 
thousands of acres of parkland, and enhance recreational opportunities 
for millions of people that visit the Santa Monica Mountains and its 
renowned beaches.

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