[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E972]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING DOUG McCONNELL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 24, 2026

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
late Doug McConnell for his advocacy for parks, open space, and 
environmental causes. Jack London Park Partners is honoring Doug 
McConnell's legacy at their annual Gala, which raises funds to provide 
education, preservation, conservation, recreation, and community 
access.
  Doug McConnell devoted his career to inspiring appreciation for the 
natural, cultural, and historic resources of California and the 
American West. Through award-winning television programs, he introduced 
millions of viewers to parks, trails, public lands, small communities, 
and environmental stewardship efforts.
  Doug was a television journalist, producer, and host specializing in 
environmental and community storytelling. He served as the host and 
senior editor of the local program Bay Area Backroads on KRON-TV, one 
of the longest running regional television programs in the United 
States. He was also the creator, producer, and host of OpenRoad with 
Doug McConnell. In addition to his work on television programs, Doug 
was the co-founder and Managing Partner of Convergence Media 
Productions, a San Francisco Baykeeper Advisory Board member, an Alaska 
Conservation Foundation board member and a founder of the Alaska Public 
Forum.
  Doug McConnell's work fostered public awareness, conservation 
advocacy, outdoor recreation, and civic engagement throughout Northern 
California and beyond. His contributions to environmental education and 
public service were recognized through numerous honors, including 
multiple Emmy Awards, the Harold Gilliam Award for environmental 
reporting, designation as an Honorary Ranger by California State Parks 
and the National Park Service, volunteer of the Year by the San 
Francisco Bay Trail Project, and Humanitarian of the Year by the Marin 
Humane Society.
  Mr. Speaker, we thank Doug McConnell for his legacy of exceptional 
service to our local parks, environment, and community. Therefore, it 
is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

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