[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 16, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1287]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN HONOR OF THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK AND THE 75TH 
               ANNIVERSARY OF KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK

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                          HON. TOM McCLINTOCK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 16, 2015

  Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 125th 
anniversary of Sequoia National Park, and the 75th anniversary of Kings 
Canyon National Park. Both of these parks are located in California's 
Fourth Congressional District, which I have the honor to represent.
   Having been established in 1890, Sequoia National Park is the 
nation's second oldest national park. It was created through the 
advocacy of nearby San Joaquin Valley residents, who wished to protect 
the magnificent Giant Sequoias for the enjoyment and inspiration of 
future generations.
   In 1926, the park expanded to include Mount Whitney and the High 
Sierra backcountry. Today, it encompasses 39 Giant Sequoia groves, 
accounting for 40 percent of all native Sequoia groves in the world. In 
one of these groves, the Giant Forest, grows The General Sherman Tree. 
The General Sherman Tree is considered the largest living tree on earth 
and estimated to be approximately 2,000 years old.
   Kings Canyon National Park was created in 1940 to include the 
glacially-formed Kings Canyon. It also serves to protect the headwaters 
of the Kings River for public recreation and enjoyment. The park 
features over 60 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail and the John Muir 
Trail, both of which pass through spectacular alpine scenery.
   Together, the parks host over 1.5 million visitors annually, and 
contribute $154 million to the local tourism economy. Visitors 
participate in a variety of outdoor recreation activities, including: 
hiking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, canoeing, and climbing.
   Mr. Speaker, on this notable occasion, I rise to recognize the 
splendor of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, which I hope will 
inspire all Americans to visit and recreate among its natural wonders.

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