[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Pages 10924-10925]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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             RECOGNIZING THE RANGELEY LAKES HERITAGE TRUST

 Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, the Height of Land in Maine's 
Rangeley Lakes Region is a crown jewel among my State's abundant 
natural treasures. The panorama of lakes and mountains, streams and 
valleys, offered by this lofty perch in the Western Mountains, is among 
the most spectacular sights in New England.
  I rise today to congratulate a remarkable group of local citizens, 
the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, for their hard work and commitment 
over more than 2 decades to protect and preserve this extraordinary 
place and to make it accessible to all. The Height of Land Overlook on 
the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway, officially dedicated on July 
15, 2012, demonstrates the great partnership they have formed with 
State and Federal Government, conservation organizations, businesses, 
and neighbors to achieve lasting accomplishments.

[[Page 10925]]

  Since the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust was formed in 1991, it has 
conserved more than 12,800 acres of land, including 45 miles of lake 
and river frontage, 15 islands, and the commanding 2,443-foot Bald 
Mountain, so that these features might be accessed and enjoyed by 
residents and visitors forever. The Height of Land Overlook has 
converted a narrow and dangerous corridor into a spacious, safe, and 
welcoming place for inspiration and reflection.
  To complete this outstanding project, the Rangeley Lakes Heritage 
Trust brought together a wide range of people and organizations into a 
common cause. It overcame the boundaries between towns, bridged the 
divide between government agencies, and worked collaboratively with the 
private sector. The commitment by the Maine Department of 
Transportation is especially commendable.
  In 2009, I was pleased to help secure $2.9 million in U.S. Department 
of Transportation funding for this important project. It is essential 
that the Federal Government be a strong member of partnerships to 
preserve our natural treasures, enhance recreation, promote economic 
growth, and help protect the environment. The Height of Land Overlook 
and the conservation walk that will be completed next spring will help 
make this area a national destination.
  Sir Edmund Hillary said that, ``People do not decide to become 
extraordinary. They decide to accomplish extraordinary things.'' Like 
that famous mountaineer, the citizens who came together to establish 
the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust had a lofty goal. They not only 
reached the summit, they went far beyond. Their amazing success speaks 
volumes about the commitment that the people of Maine have to preserve 
our special places and to share them with all Americans.

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