[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 22, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E706]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING VICTORIA ``VICKI'' TOUCHSTONE--REFUGE EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR 
                                 AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JUAN VARGAS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 22, 2018

  Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Victoria ``Vicki'' 
Touchstone who has been named the 2018 National Wildlife Refuge System 
Employee of the Year.
  Vicki Touchstone is a Refuge Planner for the San Diego National 
Wildlife Complex. The wildlife refuge protects endangered, threatened, 
migratory, and native species in their natural habitats during a 
growing urbanization of the coast. The refuge is located at the south 
end of San Diego and is surrounded by the cities of National City, 
Chula Vista, San Diego, Imperial Beach and Coronado which fall in my 
congressional district. In her role, she has developed important 
projects that have assisted and protected the wildlife populations that 
call the 51st Congressional District their home. In addition, she's 
created programs that have provided created greater public access for 
the community.
  She has dedicated 16 years of her career to the San Diego National 
Wildlife Complex, completing multiple habitat restoration projects, 
drafted and finalized four major Comprehensive Corporations Plans for 
four different refuges and expanded public access.
  I am told that at home she has created an oasis for turtle and 
tortoises that were rescued from the San Diego Turtle and Tortoise 
Society right in her backyard and takes her personal vacations at the 
annual California Trails and Greenways Conference. Her dedication to 
protecting wildlife in San Diego is astounding.
  I would like to recognize Vicki Touchstone for her dedication to 
protect wildlife in my district, congratulate her being recognized as 
the 2018 National Wildlife Refuge System Employee of the Year and for 
all the work she has done to preserving wildlife in the 51st District 
of California.

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