[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 112 (Wednesday, July 31, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1174]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING 28 YEARS OF SERVICE: PEGGY LYNCH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, 
    FRIENDS OF THE PARKS AND TRAILS OF SAINT PAUL AND RAMSEY COUNTY

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                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 31, 2013

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the inspiring career 
of Ms. Peggy Lynch, a leader in preservation of parks and green space, 
on the occasion of her retirement as Executive Director from Friends of 
the Parks and Trails of Saint Paul and Ramsey County.
  The Friends of the Parks and Trails of Saint Paul and Ramsey County 
has its origins in a group of citizens who banded together to protect 
Hidden Falls--Crosby Lake Regional Park in 1984 from developers 
proposing to build housing within the park. After the housing proposal 
was defeated, the group continued to meet, and a permanent organization 
was established in 1985 with a grant from the Saint Paul Foundation. 
Peggy Lynch co-founded the organization and served as Executive 
Director for the next 28 years. Today, because of Peggy's extraordinary 
persistence and advocacy for the outdoors, the organization has led 
development and preservation of parks across the east metro region and 
earned her the title the ``Conscience of the Parks.''
  Thanks to Peggy Lynch's vision, the organization achieved 
foundational work to protect public access to green space. In 1985 the 
group initiated a study of parks in Saint Paul and Ramsey County during 
a period of intense developer interest in prime park land. At the time, 
there were few local park commissions and developers had no obligation 
to contribute to the park system. Cities such as Saint Paul sold 
parkland for a dollar per parcel. As a result of a study by the Friends 
of the Parks and Trails of Saint Paul and Ramsey County, Park 
Commissions in Saint Paul and Ramsey County were established. The 
amendment of the City of Saint Paul and Ramsey County charters for ``no 
net loss'' of parkland were approved. These actions built a system to 
preserve and add parkland for public use.
  Additionally, Peggy and Friends of the Parks and Trails of Saint Paul 
and Ramsey County have helped develop and support the environment by 
promoting appreciation for parks and open space through quality parks, 
trails, and bikeways. Through educational, community, and corporate 
outreach programs, they have provided access to recreational 
opportunities to communities who otherwise may not have the opportunity 
to experience it.
  Peggy's influence brought increased recognition and elevated the 
importance of preserving the great outdoors for present and future 
generations to come. Her work along with the Friends of the Parks and 
Trails of Saint Paul and Ramsey County are legacies that will live on 
in the organization's work advocating for the environment in the Twin 
Cities.
  Mr. Speaker, in honor of Ms. Peggy Lynch, a leader in the 
environmental community, I am pleased to submit this statement to the 
Congressional Record in recognition of her retirement as Executive 
Director of the Friends of the Parks and Trails of Saint Paul and 
Ramsey County.

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