[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 176 (Wednesday, December 7, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1616]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE JOHN MUIR LAND TRUST

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 7, 2016

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I, along with Congressman 
Mark DeSaulnier, rise today to honor the John Muir Land Trust, which 
earned Land Trust Accreditation status from the Land Trust Alliance in 
August 2016. The John Muir Land Trust is one of only 350 land trusts 
nationwide to receive this prestigious commendation.
  The John Muir Land Trust began in 1989 as the Martinez Regional Land 
Trust in Contra Costa County, California. The Trust initially protected 
150 acres of land in the Alhambra Valley, but its success soon 
attracted more supporters. Over the succeeding years, the renamed John 
Muir Land Trust grew to incorporate 13 properties throughout Contra 
Costa County and now protects 2,500 acres of multi-use land.
  To demonstrate its ongoing commitment to future conservation, the 
John Muir Land Trust applied for formal accreditation from the Land 
Trust Alliance. For a decade, the Land Trust Alliance has provided 
accreditation to land trusts that demonstrate success in supporting the 
public interest and that meet high conservation standards. The John 
Muir Land Trust's recent accreditation is a testament to its tremendous 
accomplishments and importance within our Contra Costa community.
  The Trust's work ensures that people throughout our community have 
access to trails for walking, hiking and cycling while also preserving 
agricultural lands. The John Muir Land Trust protects air and water 
quality and preserves habitats for endangered animal and plant species. 
Recently, the Trust expanded its community engagement by creating the 
POINTing to Success program to support STEM education for middle and 
high school students, enhancing students' education through exposure to 
natural resources.
  Mr. Speaker, the John Muir Land Trust conserves vital parts of our 
community's natural resources and provides residents with magnificent 
open spaces and an enhanced quality of life. Therefore, it is fitting 
and proper that we honor the John Muir Land Trust here today.

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