[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 136 (Thursday, August 16, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5690-S5691]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST

  Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, I rise today in celebration of the 100th 
anniversary of the White Mountain National Forest.
  In 1911, Congress passed the Weeks Act, which authorized the Federal 
Government to purchase forest lands at the head of navigable streams to 
protect the health of our waterways. This landmark legislation paved 
the way for President Woodrow Wilson's Executive order in 1918, a 
century ago this year, which formally established the White Mountain 
National Forest in New Hampshire and Maine. Today, these public lands 
cover nearly 800,000 acres of woodland and attract millions of visitors 
each year who camp, hike, ski, and explore some of the most 
breathtaking natural beauty in New England. In fact, the region 
attracts more guests than both Yellowstone and Yosemite National Parks.
  If you were to visit the forest today and take in the lush, healthy 
woodland, it may surprise you that the environmental and economic 
success of this region was once in serious jeopardy. At the beginning 
of the 20th century, 80 percent of the White Mountain region had been 
depleted of its trees. Then-Governor Chester Jordan of New Hampshire 
said that the single greatest challenge facing the Granite State's 
future was excessive and unrestrained timber cutting. In his words, 
``Our forests are fast becoming despoiled, their scenic beauties marred 
and destroyed, the public health endangered'' and the State's 
agriculture, tourism, and even lumber industry threatened with ruin. 
Without action, he warned, New Hampshire's forests were headed toward 
extinction.
  In 1901, the year Governor Jordan issued his warning, Granite Staters 
began a remarkable effort to save our woodlands, efforts that continue 
to this day and have helped create a rich

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and vibrant forest ecology. Organizations like the Society for the 
Protection of New Hampshire Forests, the Appalachian Mountain Club, and 
the Society of American Foresters have worked for over a century to 
protect our woodlands and foster appreciation for the natural world. 
Through their tireless work, the commitment of Granite Staters, and the 
efforts of local, State, and Federal governments, New Hampshire is now 
the second most heavily forested State in the U.S. The White Mountain 
National Forest, one of the greatest successes of the State's 
conservation efforts, has become a major part of the Granite State 
economy, supporting a $9 billion statewide tourism and outdoor 
recreation industry and nearly 80,000 jobs--proof that environmental 
and economic success can go hand-in-hand.
  This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the National Trails 
System Act. This important legislation, signed into law by President 
Lyndon Johnson, established a national network of public trails that 
expanded access to outdoor recreation across the United States, 
including nearly 350 miles of public trails in the White Mountain 
National Forest.
  As we celebrate the National Trails System Act and the White Mountain 
National Forest, we must also look toward the future--toward the next 
100 years--and ask ourselves what we can do to advance this legacy of 
stewardship.
  In Congress, we must reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation 
Fund, which has enhanced recreational access to the White Mountain 
National Forest and helped New Hampshire to protect parcels of the 
Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, the Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife 
Refuge, and the Appalachian Trail. We must also advance environmental 
and economic policies that conserve our public lands, protect our clean 
air and water, and support local economies. We each must take time to 
appreciate the natural wonder of our public lands and renew our efforts 
to preserve these precious areas for generations to come.
  I stand with and congratulate the supporters of the White Mountain 
National Forest on 100 years. Thank you.

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