[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Page 11758]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING DR. ROBERT COPE

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, my colleague Senator Jim Risch joins 
me today in honoring Lemhi County commissioner Dr. Robert Cope, who is 
retiring from the Lemhi County Commission after 14 years of exemplary 
service.
  Cope is not one to shy away from challenges; he faces them head on. 
He recognizes a problem and works diligently to fix it. This 
characteristic has been instrumental in his ability to address critical 
natural resources and environmental challenges. The common sense, 
wisdom, and humor he brings often to contentious issues have been 
invaluable in achieving solutions. He is truly a pleasure to work with 
and know. Throughout his time as commissioner, we have greatly valued 
his input and approach. Through his efforts with the Idaho Roadless 
Rule, addressing noxious weed control and many other land management 
concerns, he has helped bring about solutions important both locally 
and nationally. He is well-respected as a problem solver and consensus 
builder.
  His public service is shaped by his deep personal knowledge and 
influenced by his distinguished career. Cope, a U.S. Presidential 
Scholar and Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine 
graduate, thankfully fell in love with Idaho and made Salmon, Idaho, 
home. He has spent nearly 40 years in veterinary practice, a critical 
part of the community, working with Lemhi cattle ranchers. He has been 
counted on to work cattle at all hours of the day and night, often in 
difficult conditions. The respect many have for his work and 
understanding of natural resources issues has inevitably led to his 
service in leadership roles on numerous boards and commissions, 
including the National Association of Counties, the U.S. Forest 
Service's National Planning Rule Implementation Committee and the Idaho 
Roadless Commission.
  We have greatly valued your insight, Dr. Cope, and thank you for your 
hard work and outstanding service. We are fortunate that you chose to 
be an Idahoan. Congratulations on your retirement from the commission. 
We hope it provides you with more time to spend with your many friends 
and family, including your wife, Terrie. We wish you all the 
best.

                          ____________________