[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 177 (Thursday, December 8, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1653]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    DAN EVANS OLYMPIC WILDERNESS ACT

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                         HON. DAVID G. REICHERT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2016

  Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, my home state of Washington and the region 
I represent are known for their breathtaking natural treasures.
  Visitors from around the world come to take in the view of Mt. 
Rainier and hike the beautiful trails in the North Cascades.
  But we cannot talk about Washington's natural treasures without 
thanking the man who's been instrumental in maintaining and protecting 
them for future generations.
  Former Washington governor and U.S. Senator, Dan Evans, had an 
unwavering commitment to preserving our state's national parks and 
forests throughout his distinguished 50 years as a public servant.
  From the 1984 Washington Wilderness Act to the Washington Park 
Wilderness Act of 1988, Senator Evans' initiatives have had a lasting 
impact on every person who had or will get the opportunity to 
experience Mother Nature's gifts.
  It is only fitting that the name of the Olympic National Park 
Wilderness recognizes the efforts of the man who fought so hard to 
preserve it.
  As someone who remembers the excitement of exploring our national 
forests as a kid, it has been one of my greatest pleasures as a 
father--and now as a grandfather--to pass the experience on to new 
generations.
  Senator Evans understood this. He understood that even man's greatest 
feats of architecture could not compare to the magnificence Mt. 
Rainer's over 14,000 foot summit or the hidden pristine lakes in the 
North Cascades. He understood we only have one chance to protect these 
gifts.
  And as a Republican from Washington State, he showed us that 
conservation did not have to be a partisan issue. It is a duty that 
falls on all of us, regardless of party or region.
  Senator Evans deserves to be recognized for the contributions he made 
to my home state and to our country. I ask my colleagues in the House 
to please join me in supporting the Daniel J. Evans Olympic National 
Park Wilderness Act.

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