[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 76 (Friday, May 6, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E461]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  INTRODUCTION OF THE MOUNT HOOD AND COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE RECREATION 
             ENHANCEMENT AND CONSERVATION (REC) ACT OF 2022

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 6, 2022

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, today I introduced the Mount Hood and 
Columbia River Gorge Recreation Enhancement and Conservation (REC) Act 
of 2022.
  Over the last several years, I have listened to feedback from 
Oregonians, Tribal sovereigns, local elected officials, businesses, and 
others about Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge. People have shared 
information about how they use these special places, their concerns, 
and their proposed solutions to improve management, address wildfire 
risk, enhance recreation, and protect natural resources. I worked to 
reflect those views in this legislation, which will create a leading 
model of Tribal co-management on the Forest, retain and restore healthy 
ecosystems, develop long term sustainable recreation and transportation 
plans for the region, and enhance community resilience through climate 
adaptation and mitigation.
  This legislation represents many years of listening to community 
members and refining ideas. It also remains a work in progress. I look 
forward to continuing this community-focused effort to protect and 
improve access to Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge.
  I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

                          ____________________