[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 170 (Tuesday, November 29, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1531]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING ELAINE KOHRMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 2016

  Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today 
to acknowledge Forest Supervisor Elaine Kohrman for her leadership 
during the on-going effort to update the Cibola Forest Plan so that it 
reflects the perspectives and recommendations of all communities with 
historical ties to the land.
  As the Supervisor for the Cibola National Forest and National 
Grasslands, Kohrman has successfully brought together representatives 
of communities that have a long history of animosity and distrust of 
the federal government.
  Kohrman's inclusive approach fostered an environment that encouraged 
leaders of several New Mexico land grants to come together as leaders 
to provide their perspectives as part of the Forest Plan revision 
process. Six of the land grants, including San Antonio de las Huertas, 
Canon de Carnue, Chilili, Torreon, Tajique, and Manzano have signed 
Memorandums of Understanding to co-host and co-convene the land grant 
communities as part of the public engagement process. The New Mexico 
Land Grant Council is also a participant by MOU and represents 
statewide issues in this process. Their active participation has been 
instrumental in developing and elevating a better understanding for 
employees, other cooperating agencies and public interests of their 
status and historic ties to the land and the continued uses of the 
Cibola to support their cultural identity.
  As a result of this involvement, the Cibola National Forest was 
recently recognized by the New Mexico Land Grant Consejo for ``turning 
the page'' and promoting good faith consultation with the land grant 
communities.
  Kohrman has also welcomed participation from affected tribes and 
pueblos that are actively engaging with other participants, other than 
just the Forest Service. Five pueblos, including Acoma, Isleta, 
Cochiti, San Felipe and Santa Ana, have also signed MOU's to 
participate, leading to consideration of issues related to the 
protection of sacred sites and strengthening tribal partnerships.
  I greatly appreciate Elaine Kohrman's efforts to promote a model of 
the Forest Service working as a partner, rather than being in the 
middle of issues. As a result of the more collaborative process, 
contentious issues are addressed in a more productive manner. I hope 
this collaboration can serve as a template for similar efforts 
throughout the Forest Service and the federal government.

                          ____________________