[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 133 (Tuesday, September 6, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1186]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE MARTINEZ BEAVER FESTIVAL

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 6, 2016

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Martinez Beaver Festival, which for the past nine years has 
commemorated the broad public support and civic action that saved our 
local beaver population from trapping. This annual festival not only 
emphasizes the importance that beavers hold for our creeks and 
wildlife, but also is a celebration of our community and local 
government working together for this worthy cause.
  The Martinez Beaver Festival is hosted by Worth a Dam, a local 
nonprofit dedicated to maintaining the beaver population in Martinez. 
Their many contributions to our community involve education, advocacy, 
and local events. The organization also aims to teach other cities 
about the importance of coexisting with this important species. 
Furthermore, Worth a Dam has increased public awareness on the 
importance of beavers to the ecological health of urban streams by 
providing exploration tours, promoting ecotourism in Martinez through 
various events, and awarding Beaver Scholarships to other cities 
learning to deal with their own beaver-related issues.
  During its history, Worth a Dam and the Martinez Beaver Festival have 
provided exhibits and presentations to wildlife groups across our 
state, as well as in Utah and Oregon. Thanks to Worth a Dam's website 
dedicated to beaver information, people across our nation have access 
to data and resources needed to solve wild beaver issues and to develop 
a stronger appreciation for the importance of beavers to their local 
ecosystems. Worth a Dam has recently worked internationally with beaver 
advocates in Canada and Scotland to educate stakeholders and their 
communities to help resolve various beaver-related issues.
  Mr. Speaker, the Martinez Beaver Festival is of tremendous value to 
our community, and its success has brought awareness to our community's 
wildlife conservation efforts. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that 
we honor the Martinez Beaver Festival here today.

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