[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 169 (Tuesday, September 28, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1037-E1038]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING ERIC JAY LARSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JARED HUFFMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 2021

  Mr. HUFFMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague, 
Congressman Mike Thompson, in celebration of the life of Eric Jay 
Larson, who passed away at the age of 56 on August 17, 2021. Eric was a 
stalwart environmental scientist and advocate who worked for years with 
the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and other state agencies 
to conserve vital and sensitive natural habitats on the Northern 
California coast.
  Eric was born in San Francisco on March 17, 1965. He graduated from 
Redwood High School and attended college in Minnesota and California. 
Eric worked for the California Coastal Commission and the San Francisco 
Bay Conservation and Development Commission managing and regulating 
sediment in the estuary. As Environmental Program Manager for the State 
of California Natural Resources Agency, Department of Fish and 
Wildlife, Eric protected and restored wetlands, riparian corridors, 
marine preserves, coastlines and opens spaces. He also worked to 
acquire wildlife green belts and managed fisheries. He was nationally 
recognized by Vice President Al Gore for the best managed fishery in 
the United States. This expertise allowed him to advise Southeast Asian 
governments on river and wetland restoration efforts.
  Eric was a founding member of the Peace in Medicine cannabis 
dispensary--the first non-profit and permitted dispensary in 
Sebastopol. Along with his partner of 30 years, Mitcho Thompson, Eric 
owned a small certified medicinal herb farm in Sebastopol.
  Eric was respected by many and known for his ``hands on'' approach to 
science and enjoyment for educating others. His dedication and passion 
has left the region, state and world with long lasting benefits and he 
will be sorely missed by his colleagues, friend and family. Madam 
Speaker, we respectfully ask that you join us in extending condolences 
to Eric's family and many friends and in expressing our deep 
appreciation for his decades of contributions to the environment.

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