[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18979]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT ACT OF 2002

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                           HON. JENNIFER DUNN

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 1, 2002

  Ms. DUNN. Mr. Speaker, I am introducing the Mt. Rainier National Park 
Boundary Adjustment Act. This legislation will enable the National Park 
Service to rebuild a road and popular campground located in the 
Northwestern corner of the park that has been devastated by years of 
reoccurring floods.
  As a life-long Washingtonian, I appreciate the importance of 
maintaining our most treasured natural resources. Mt. Rainier National 
Park is one of the crown jewels of the national park system. To enhance 
the enjoyment of the park, this legislation will allow visitors greater 
access to a temperate rainforest.
  Unfortunately, the road leading into lpsut Creek Campground is below 
the Carbon River in several spots, resulting in frequent road washouts. 
Consequently, it is difficult, if not impossible, for visitors to drive 
safely to the campground. With the boundary adjustment, the park will 
be able to move the campground to a more secure area and provide for 
safe travel.
  To accomplish the boundary adjustment, land will be purchased from 
Plum Creek Timber Company and the U.S. Forest Service will transfer 
land to the National Park Service. In the end, the boundary adjustment 
will include approximately 1000 acres of both private and U.S. Forest 
Service land. This legislation will also allow the Secretary of the 
Interior to acquire land in the vicinity of Wilkeson, Washington for a 
visitor's center. This center will provide vital information to people 
accessing Mt. Rainier National Park in the Carbon and Mowich Corridors.
  I look forward to working with the Resources Committee and my 
colleagues to enact this boundary adjustment.

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