[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 59 (Tuesday, April 24, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E621]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    SPORTSMEN'S HERITAGE ACT OF 2012

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 17, 2012

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the state of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 4089) to 
     protect and enhance opportunities for recreational hunting, 
     fishing and shooting:

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Chair, I rise today to express my 
support for the Sportsmen's Heritage Act, H.R. 4089. This bill would 
improve access to public lands for our hunters, fishers, and 
recreationists. By passing H.R. 4089, we will ensure that public lands 
will continue to be used and enjoyed by sportsmen across the country.
  While many of us support H.R. 4089, I do have reservations about some 
of the bill's details. Specifically, titles I and II of this bill 
require new procedures for approved closures of public lands. Federal 
land management agencies currently have a process in place for closures 
that includes public notice, review, and approval at the local, state, 
or federal level depending on the individual situation. I believe these 
decisions are best made by local land managers who are uniquely 
familiar with the lands, the people, and the potential hazards. I am 
concerned that adding additional closure approval steps by people 
removed from the local areas will delay, or even discourage, closures 
that are based on sound science, and for the safety of the people and 
protection of the environment.
  I also believe that hunting, fishing, and recreation are often 
compatible with the goals of public lands, including wilderness 
designation. However, there are some activities that are not. Oil and 
gas development, mining, logging, and motorized vehicle use outside of 
designated areas counter the goals of current wilderness management. In 
addition, these activities also run counter to the intent of H.R. 4089 
by further restricting sportsmen's access. These restrictions on 
activities in Wilderness Areas should be explicitly stated in the bill 
and should not leave any room for misinterpretation.
  Finally, I am discouraged to see the incorporation of an amendment to 
H.R. 4089 that would undermine the ability of the President to 
designate National Monuments under the Antiquities Act. This is a 
process that has protected some of our most precious national treasures 
and cultural heritage sites. I agree that local support should be 
weighed heavily when considering National Monument designations, but 
additional legislative road blocks are unnecessary.
  I commend my colleagues in the House for supporting sportsmen's 
access to public lands, and I hope to see their enjoyment continue in a 
safe and environmentally responsible manner. We need to keep public 
lands open when feasible, while also allowing for closures in a timely 
manner if it is in the best interest of public safety or environmental 
protection. I look forward to working with our Senate colleagues to 
make sure these concerns are addressed as H.R. 4089 moves forward.

                          ____________________