[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4255]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING NEIL KORNZE, DIRECTOR, BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 13, 2016

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I, along with Representative 
Garamendi and Representative Huffman, rise to recognize and honor 
Director Kornze for his great contribution to the designation of the 
Berryessa Snow Mountain Monument by President Barack Obama on July 10, 
2015.
  This outstanding accomplishment was made possible by the tireless 
work of countless advocates. Their commitment to engaging friends, 
colleagues, local residents, businesses, stakeholders across the 
country, and policymakers in a coordinated effort to achieve permanent 
protection was critical to the establishment of the Monument.
  Now, the Berryessa Snow Mountain Monument may be counted among the 
hundreds of ``pristine parks across the country that represent 
America's most treasured public resources. The region's unique 
geological formations will play host for the world's scientists for 
years to come. Centuries-old archeological sites will draw curious 
historians and researchers as they piece together the stories of 
generations past. And avid bikers, hikers, campers, horsemen, and 
sportsmen will be able to enjoy this landmark that is now forever open 
and accessible to outdoor enthusiasts from Northern California and 
beyond.
  The Berryessa Snow Mountain Monument serves as proof of the value of 
the Antiquities Act and the power of the Executive to protect these 
lands in the face of inaction by Congress. After extensive input from 
interested parties and substantial evidence of this region's value, the 
Obama Administration honored the support of stakeholders, and the 
gravity of conservation.
  The legacy of public lands is one of the most important we can leave 
for future generations. The Berryessa Snow Mountain Monument is a 
critical piece of a preservation system that stretches from the 
Hawaiian Islands to the Maine Coast. It has been a privilege working 
with Director Kornze to further our mutual goal of preserving our 
nation's great open spaces, and we look forward to collaborating in the 
future.

                          ____________________