[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7297]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF CLINTON RIVER WATERSHED COUNCIL COMMUNITY 
                      OUTREACH DIRECTOR DAN KEIFER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CANDICE S. MILLER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 13, 2011

  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to 
recognize the dedicated service of Clinton River Watershed Council, 
CRWC, Community Outreach Director Dan Keifer. On May 18, 2011, Dan will 
retire after 10 years on the job with the watershed. Prior to the CRWC, 
Dan founded the Friends of Clinton River Trail, and remains an active 
member of the Oakland Land Conservancy and Challenge Chapter of Trout 
Unlimited.
  Without question, he has been a tireless advocate and supporter of 
water quality issues throughout Macomb and Oakland County. Despite the 
challenges, Dan has remained a vital team member of the CRWC, facing 
any problem head-on. He has done an exceptional job promoting the 
Clinton River, Lake St. Clair and supporting waterways in the area. He 
has successfully undertaken a public awareness campaign properly 
informing the people about the history and unique story of the 
watershed. His work has highlighted the importance of this wonderful 
natural resource and the urgency to protect and revive this pristine 
treasure which is literally in our backyards.
  After joining the CRWC in 2002, Dan's devoted efforts have played a 
key role in getting people to take advantage of the numerous 
recreational opportunities available to them like kayaking, canoeing, 
fishing, hiking, biking, swimming and much much more. And he has been 
on the frontlines to maintain and enhance the bountiful habitats of the 
various species of fish and wildlife that call the watershed home by 
setting up countless cleanup events. These initiatives have helped 
improve the quality of life for residents and the overall environmental 
health of surrounding communities. Furthermore, a vibrant and clean 
waterway also has a tremendous economic impact on local businesses 
which depend on the watershed, like golf courses and apple orchards, 
just to name a few.
  Mr. Speaker, Dan has also been a strong leader by forming new 
relationships among various partners and stakeholders involved with the 
watershed. Whether it is the public or private sector, there is now a 
desire to open the line of communication to accomplish a common goal. 
His work has certainly advanced the mission of the Clinton River 
Watershed Council, which is to protect, enhance, and celebrate the 
Clinton River, its watershed, and Lake St. Clair.
  As a lifelong boater and someone who has lived on the water my entire 
life, I have witnessed firsthand the great work performed by the CRWC. 
It has been my privilege to work with the CRWC and Mr. Keifer on 
numerous issues.
  I commend Mr. Keifer for all his hard work and achievements during 
his tenure with the CRWC. I know Dan has always had our community's 
best interests at heart, which is evident by his lifetime of 
accomplishments. We are fully cognizant of the fact we are not doing 
our job if we do not provide a better future for our children and the 
next generation to follow.
  In closing Mr. Speaker, I want to extend my best wishes to Mr. Dan 
Keifer on this special occasion. He will be severely missed, but his 
presence will still be felt by those who continue to serve at the CRWC. 
I hope he enjoys his retirement and I thank him for his service to the 
citizens of the State of Michigan. His work is officially recognized 
and greatly appreciated.

                          ____________________