[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 141 (Thursday, October 10, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1473]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE SAN JOAQUIN RIVER PARKWAY AND CONSERVATION TRUST

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 10, 2013

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the San Joaquin 
River Parkway and Conservation Trust (River Parkway Trust) in 
celebration of its 25th anniversary. The land around the San Joaquin 
River is protected due to the efforts of the River Parkway Trust, and 
we must thank them for all of their hard work.
  The formation of the River Parkway Trust began in 1988 when citizens, 
landowners, and agencies joined together to outline their goals. Over 
the past 25 years, the River Parkway Trust has worked with 18 land 
owners to protect almost 3,000 acres of land. In addition to the number 
of land purchases made by associates of the San Joaquin River 
Conservancy and the California Wildlife Conservation Board, the total 
amount of protected land has increased to over 4,000 acres.
  The protected land provides individuals with a place to enjoy outdoor 
activities. One of the signature attractions of the River Parkway Trust 
is the Lewis S. Eaton Trail. The trail is used daily by bikers and 
hikers. It truly is a gem in our Central Valley.
  A priority of the River Parkway Trust is to encourage young people to 
visit the river. Many school districts participate in field trips, so 
thousands of students have the opportunity to view the beautiful nature 
and landscape. In addition, the River Parkway Trust has a summer youth 
program that provides children with a week full of fun river 
activities. Each year, more than 1,000 youth visit the camp.
  The River Parkway Trust also serves as a ``natural defense'' to 
floods. It keeps pollution from flowing into the water; therefore, 
preventing our drinking water from becoming contaminated. The River 
Parkway Trust has contributed to restoring the area's cultural past so 
that symbolic structures like the Riverview Ranch on Old Faint Road do 
not disappear. Maintaining structures that are significant to the area 
is important for the 20,000 visitors that go to the parkway each year.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the San 
Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust as they celebrate 25 years 
of preserving the invaluable land around the San Joaquin River. Their 
outstanding commitment to protecting the Central Valley's natural 
resources must be commended.

                          ____________________