[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 7866-7867]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 IN COMMEMORATION OF THE NATIONAL WETLANDS LANDOWNER STEWARDSHIP AWARD 
        TO THE HIGEL FAMILY FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL LAW INSTITUTE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN T. SALAZAR

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 10, 2006

  Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Higel 
family of Alamosa, Colorado, as the honored recipient of the National 
Wetlands Landowner Stewardship Award from the Environmental Law 
Institute.
  This award, specifically for conservation in Wetlands areas, 
recognizes the Higel family's commitment to conservation while 
maintaining sustainable agricultural conditions in the same area. The 
values the Higel's are being honored for are values all of us strive 
for in farming at any level. These values include a healthy thriving 
relationship between people and the ground that allows food to be 
produced on the land and a respect for the important habitat qualities 
and wetlands necessary for abundant wildlife.
  Recently the Higel family sold over 1,000 acres of their ranch land 
to the Colorado Division of Wildlife in order to create the Higel State 
Wildlife Area. This exchange opens part of the Rio Grande River 
corridor and its wetlands to the public for wildlife viewing and 
hunting. The Higel's are also currently working

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with Ducks Unlimited to protect their adjacent acreage through 
conservation easements. This hard work is done all while promoting 
optimal wildlife habitat and a viable ranching operation. The Higel's 
effort is a model that farmers and ranchers nationwide should look to 
for how to manage their operations in a way that also protects nature. 
The dedication they have shown to the land and the environment is 
tremendous and I am proud that they have led by example. Their 
leadership in showing that ranchers can engage in both conservation and 
agriculture practices will be recognized today by myself and by the 
Environmental Law Institute. The real reward will be seen by the next 
generation of Coloradans who will be able to enjoy the wildlife area 
donated and created by the Higel family.
  I am proud to represent the Higel family and their outstanding land 
stewardship in Colorado's Third District. I urge my colleagues to join 
me today in recognizing the Higel family for receiving this award.

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