[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 27, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1148]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING PETER S. PAINE, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. WILLIAM L. OWENS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 27, 2012

  Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my dear friend Peter S. 
Paine, Jr. upon his receipt of the Ordre des Palmes Academiques (Order 
of Academic Palms). This prestigious honor was awarded by the Messieurs 
Jean-Claude Duthion, Education Attache of the French Embassy in 
recognition of his work to preserve Fort Ticonderoga and its 
international educational mission.
  The Ordre des Palmes Academiques is an order of chivalry of France 
for academic, cultural, and educational figures. Originally founded by 
Emperor Napoleon to honor eminent members of the University of Paris, 
it was established as an order in October 4, 1955 by President Rene 
Jules Gustave Coty.
  Peter's career as a lawyer and strong advocate for the environment 
first came to the fore when he was named a member of the Temporary 
Study Commission on the Future of the Adirondacks from 1968 to 1970, 
and then as a Commissioner of the Adirondack Park Agency from 1971 to 
1995. Peter served as the principle draftsman of the Adirondack State 
Land Master Plan and the NY State Wild Scenic and Recreational Rivers 
legislation, masterfully displaying his skill and passion for the 
environment. He also served as a trustee and former chairman of the 
Adirobtlack Nature Conservancy, served on the NY State Nature 
Conservancy Board of Trustees, was founding member and long time 
general counsel of the Lake Champlain Committee, and also served as one 
of the founding trustees of what is now Environmental Advocates. He 
also has served on the Board of Trustees of the Fort Ticonderoga 
Association and a trustee of the Adirondack Community Trust pay 
projects and played an important role in numerous land conservation 
contracts in the Champlain Valley including the preservation as a bird 
sanctuary of the Four Brother Islands in Lake Champlain and the 
addition of the Split Rock Mountain Range to the NY State Forest 
Preserve. As a major supporter and co-organizer of the Noblewood Park 
and Nature Preserve Project in the town of Willsboro, along with 
Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward, he helped create the Coon Mountain Nature 
Preserve in Westport. Peter lead the Paine family in donating 
conservation easements to the Adirondack Nature Conservancy starting in 
1978 which protected five miles of shoreline on Lake Champlain and the 
Boquet River as well as some 1,000 acres of farm and forestland.
  Peter had a long career in the law with the law firm of Cleary 
Gottlieb Steen and Hamilton LLP and has served as Chairman of the 
Champlain National Bank in Willsboro, NY.
  Peter is an avid hunter, fisherman, horseman, and wilderness 
expedition leader. I can tell you from my personal interaction with him 
over many years that he is a man of uncommon intelligence, clear 
thinking, and one not afraid to express his opinion on any subject. He 
performs his duties with alacrity, clarity, and with concern for his 
environment and fellow man.
  Let me offer in conclusion my sincere congratulations on his receipt 
of the Ordre des Palmes Academiques. I wish him the best of luck in all 
future endeavors.
  ``Peter, mes sinceres felicitations pour votre prix a l'ordre des 
Palmes Academiques. Je tiens a vous souhaiter mes meilleures vceux de 
succes, et je vous prie d'agreer l'expression de mes salutations les 
plus distinguees.''

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