[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 127 (Wednesday, September 19, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1554]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 19, 2012

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Trust for Public 
Land on the occasion of its 40th anniversary.
  In 1972 a group of conservation-minded business professionals took 
the message of the first Earth Day to heart and saw a unique 
opportunity to meet the challenge of increasing encroachment on green 
space and natural areas. Using business sector strategies, this group 
of finance experts, real estate professionals and attorneys formed a 
trust to pool their talents and knowledge to conserve and expand the 
natural environment for the health and enjoyment of the public. The 
Trust for Public Lands was born.
  Initially the Trust for Public Land focused conservation efforts on 
urban and suburban areas. As success grew, the focus expanded to 
include working in rural areas. As a result of this hard work and 
innovation more than 4,250 park and conservation projects throughout 
the country have been completed, often by fostering public-private 
partnerships.
  During the past four decades, the Trust for Public Lands has 
developed expertise beyond the development of land trusts, to advising 
and assisting communities in the passage of conservation focused ballot 
measures, using GIS technology to better map and identify conservation 
opportunities, and combating climate change. The Trust for Public Land 
has developed a legacy of providing legal and philanthropic resources 
for community-driven conservation initiatives in Minnesota and across 
the country.
  The Trust for Public Land is an invaluable resource to Minnesota and 
communities in my congressional district through its unique approach to 
conservation. The work of the dedicated Trust for Public Land staff and 
volunteers has played a major role in protecting many of the 
spectacular parks, natural spaces, and protected watersheds which make 
our state great. I am proud to commend the Trust for Public Land on 40 
years of accomplishments and wish them much success in the years to 
come.
  Mr. Speaker, in honor of the 40th anniversary of the Trust for Public 
Land, I am pleased to submit this statement for the Congressional 
Record.

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