[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 113 (Thursday, July 26, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1344]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PINCHOT INSTITUTE FOR CONSERVATION

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                       HON. CHRISTOPHER S. MURPHY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 26, 2012

  Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Pinchot Institute for Conservation, which is celebrating its fiftieth 
anniversary next year. The Pinchot Institute carries on the legacy of 
Connecticut native son Gifford Pinchot, whose unique and reasoned 
approach to conservation endures as we face a new era of environmental 
challenges.
  Born in Simsbury, Pinchot grew up inspired by childhood summers spent 
enjoying his hometown's natural beauty. Committed to forestry and 
preservation from an early age, Pinchot went on to found the Forestry 
School, the first of its kind, at Yale, his alma mater. He helped to 
establish the United States Forest Service, serving as its first Chief 
in 1905. Pinchot recognized the need to protect our natural heritage at 
a time of development unprecedented in our nation's history. Throughout 
his long career in public service, he was instrumental in raising the 
profile of the conservation movement to the national stage.
  Pinchot's philosophy of ``practical idealism'' lives on in practice 
at Yale, at the Forest Service, and at the Pinchot Institute. Dedicated 
by President Kennedy in 1963, the Pinchot Institute works to balance 
the sustainable use of our natural resources with a commitment to 
preservation for future generations. The Pinchot Institute collaborates 
with organizations around the country and the world to develop non-
partisan, innovative, and well-researched solutions to conservation 
problems. The Institute recognizes the role that sustainable forests 
can play in the health of our nation's communities, water resources, 
and wildlife.
  The need for conservation also resonates with me on a personal level. 
I began my career in public service with a call to action against the 
destruction of wetlands in Southington, and I remain committed to the 
principles of environmental stewardship. Our public lands and fragile 
resources are preserved and maintained for more Americans than ever 
before due to the tireless efforts of organizations like the Pinchot 
Institute.
  In recognition of the fiftieth anniversary of the Pinchot Institute 
for Conservation, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring an 
organization at the forefront of its field.

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