[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 79 (Tuesday, May 15, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E650]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING AL HABERGER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 15, 2018

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Al 
Haberger and his service to Napa County. Mr. Haberger was instrumental 
in conserving the natural beauty and character of the Napa Valley by 
establishing the Napa County Agricultural Preserve, the first of its 
kind in the nation.
  The Napa County Agricultural Preserve helped secure the future of 
Napa County as an internationally renowned grape-growing region. Mr. 
Haberger had the foresight to recognize that without proper 
protections, Napa's wine industry would not be able to grow and 
flourish. It was Mr. Haberger's determination that led to his idea for 
an agricultural preserve receiving public attention, and his passion 
for Napa County that led to its public support.
  The initial 1968 zoning ordinance protected 23,000 acres of 
agricultural land from overdevelopment, stretching from Napa to 
Calistoga. Today, the preserve has grown to 31,609 acres, from which no 
land has ever been removed. Instead, the ordinance allowed Napa County 
to grow steadily while balancing the needs of residents, developers, 
and farmers. All of us who enjoy the beauty and open space of Napa 
County today are indebted to Mr. Haberger's vision that agriculture is 
the highest and best use of the land.
  The agricultural preserve has ensured that Napa County will be an 
agricultural center of California well into the future, and the 
continued source of some the finest wines in the nation and in the 
world. In addition, the Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve has led in 
agricultural protection and preservation in California for the last 
half century, thanks to Mr. Haberger and his efforts.
  Mr. Speaker, Mr. Haberger is proof that one person can truly make a 
difference, as he did in helping establish the Napa County Agricultural 
Preserve. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor Al Haberger 
here today.

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