[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 52 (Thursday, March 29, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S2253]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Ms. MURKOWSKI:
  S. 2273. A bill to designate the Talkeetna Ranger Station in 
Talkeetna, Alaska, as the Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station; to 
the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
  Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce legislation 
that would officially rename the Talkeetna Ranger Station in Talkeetna, 
Alaska, the Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station.
  The Talkeetna Ranger Station, which is the home of Denali National 
Park's mountaineering rangers, sits just about 100 miles south of the 
entrance to the park. Of course, the landmark that's most commonly 
linked to both the park and the ranger station itself happens to be the 
mountain that features a summit which represents the highest point in 
North America: Denali.
  In fact, anybody who intends to attempt a climb of Mt. McKinley is 
required to first stop at the Talkeetna Ranger Station for their permit 
and mountain orientation.
  It is only fitting, then, that we honor the memory of Alaska Native 
Walter Harper by forever linking his name with this specific ranger 
station. It was Mr. Harper, that 100 years ago next year became the 
first person to reach the summit of Mt. McKinley.
  My bill is a simple one, and it is not likely to gain much notice 
outside of Alaska. Within my home state, however, this small gesture 
means a great deal. Alaskans, like the people who call any other state 
home, are proud of the historical accomplishments of their fellow 
Alaskans. Walter Harper was one such Alaskan, and his feat is one that 
will always be remembered.
  Certainly, officially designating the Talkeetna Ranger Station--the 
very building where any hiker today planning to climb Mt. McKinley is 
required to first stop--the Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station is a 
fitting tribute to the man himself, as well as his spot in our state's 
history books.
  June 7 of next year, 2013, will mark the 100 year anniversary of Mr. 
Harper's historic climb. It would truly be special for Alaska and 
Alaskans to have this designation in place by that date.
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