[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 8, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1215]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING ELIZABETH BURKO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JARED HUFFMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 8, 2015

  Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Elizabeth Burko, who 
was a true and committed leader in the California State Parks who lost 
her life on August 22, 2015.
   Elizabeth Burko was born in Ohio and attended college at the 
University of Colorado where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science 
before moving out to California.
   She began her career as a volunteer docent at Ano Nuevo State 
Reserve in 1985 where she was eventually hired on as a park aide. For 
30 years, Burko dedicated her life and career to the mission and 
purpose of California State Parks. In 2007 she became the 
Superintendent of the Russian River District of California State Parks 
which includes parks in both Sonoma and Mendocino Counties.
   Throughout her career Burko proved to be dedicated to the mission of 
the State Parks, but it was during the recession that she truly 
demonstrated the value of her leadership. Her management skills and 
creativity made it possible to avoid many park closures in the district 
and maintain the integrity of the State Parks mission. She was known 
for her willingness to collaborate with local non-profit groups in 
order to improve park access and management.
   Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognition of 
Elizabeth Burko whose contributions to the Russian River District of 
California State Parks will be valued by park visitors and staff alike 
for years to come. She will be greatly missed.

                          ____________________