[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 83 (Friday, May 30, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E895]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN RECOGNITION OF MR. ALAN EHRGOTT

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 30, 2014

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Alan Ehrgott 
for his twenty-five years of service with the American River 
Conservancy. As his family, friends and colleagues gather to celebrate 
his outstanding career and ongoing contributions to the community, I 
ask my colleagues to join me in tribute to Mr. Ehrgott's many years of 
service.
  With its beginnings in April of 1989, the American River Conservancy, 
then known as the American River Land Trust, was founded by Mr. Ehrgott 
and several other community leaders and members with the aim of 
acquiring and conserving land along the American River for future 
generations. As Executive Director, the American River Conservancy has 
thrived under Mr. Ehrgott's leadership and his love of nature. Located 
in the historic Kane House in the Marshall Gold Discovery State Park in 
Coloma, the American River Conservancy has completed over 78 land 
conservation projects protecting 13,709 acres of high-quality wildlife 
habitat, recreational lands and native fisheries in the Upper American 
River and Upper Cosumnes River watersheds. Mr Ehrgott's vision led to 
the existence of the 25-mile network of trails known as the South Fork 
American River Trail System. These projects were made possible through 
$76 million in funds that Mr. Ehrgott was successful in securing.
  In 2010, Mr. Ehrgott was instrumental in the acquisition of the 272-
acre Gold Hill Ranch which has a rich cultural history starting with 
the local Nisenan tribe. The site is most well known for being one of 
the first permanent Japanese settlements in North America from the 
period of 1869-1871 when it was known as the Wakamatsu Tea and Silk 
Colony Farm. With Mr. Ehrgott leading the way, the American River 
Conservancy hopes to preserve and celebrate the legacy of farming that 
has occurred on the site.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to pay tribute to Mr Alan Ehrgott, who has 
served the Sacramento community and the surrounding environment for 
more than two decades. His continued service has greatly contributed to 
the community and ensured the continued enjoyment of the American 
River. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this man whose 
persistence and leadership has helped to preserve one of Northern 
California's many natural treasures for years to come.

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