[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12602]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              INTRODUCTION OF THE JOHN L. BURTON TRAIL ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GEORGE MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 13, 2005

  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, today, along with the 
majority of California's House delegation, I am introducing legislation 
to name a trail in a northern California redwood grove after former 
State Senate President John Burton.
  With this legislation, we are honoring our former colleague in the 
House for his pivotal role in the landmark 1999 state-Federal agreement 
to protect the ancient redwoods of the Headwaters Forest Reserve.
  In addition to being a great ally for those who have needed a helping 
hand, John Burton has been a powerful advocate for environmental values 
throughout his time in public service. His work to protect this 
important redwood forest was just one of the many highlights of his 
inspiring career.
  Among other accomplishments, he was instrumental in forcing a debate 
over the appropriate use of the Headwaters. That debate eventually led 
to a 1999 negotiated agreement through which the Federal and State 
governments were able to protect a total of 7,400 acres.
  That agreement was not only a victory for these threatened old-growth 
trees and all the fish and wildlife living in this ecosystem. It was a 
victory for all of us: generations in the future, Americans will be 
able to visit this amazing natural landscape.
  Under this bill, all future maps of the Reserve will include the 
``John L. Burton Trail'' designation, ensuring that visitors to the 
ancient redwoods are aware of Burton's leadership to help save the 
grove from destruction.
  I look forward to the speedy passage of this non-controversial 
legislation to properly recognize John Burton for just one of his many 
contributions to the state of California and our country.

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