[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 135 (Friday, September 19, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1505]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       MARKING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WILDERNESS ACT OF 1964

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                         HON. RICHARD M. NOLAN

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 19, 2014

  Mr. NOLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to mark the 50th Anniversary of the 
Wilderness Act of 1964.
  There is an old saying to the effect that the best time to plant a 
tree, protect a forest, and make a promise to the future is either 50 
years ago--or today. Fifty years ago, visionary leaders committed 
themselves and our nation to protect and preserve public lands for 
generations to come. The Wilderness Act of 1964 is as important today 
as it was then.
  I represent the Eighth District of Minnesota, where we are blessed to 
have one of the most beautiful and pristine wilderness areas in America 
in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAVV). I was so proud 
to be an original sponsor of the law that created the Boundary Waters 
Canoe Area Wilderness during my first service in Congress in the 
1970's. Working with great environmental leaders like former 
Congressman Don Fraiser, and my late colleagues Congressman Jim 
Oberstar and Bruce Vento, we carved out and preserved the Boundary 
Waters for generation upon generation to come. I consider this one of 
my proudest achievements.
  In addition to BWCAW, the Superior National Forest, Voyageurs 
National Park, the North Shore of Lake Superior, and the St. Croix 
National Scenic Riverway are other national treasurers we enjoy, and 
are committed to protecting.
  We live up North, despite the long winters, because we love the land 
and understand the need to assure that future generations will have the 
same opportunities we have to enjoy the great out of doors.
  I call upon my colleagues to continue fighting to set aside more of 
our nation's special places as wilderness areas--protecting our wild 
lands and the air, water and creatures that bless them.

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