[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9850]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


HONORING SUSAN LUCKIE REILLY ON THE OCCASION OF HER 100TH BIRTHDAY AND 
        HER MANY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

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                             HON. RAUL RUIZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 22, 2016

  Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th birthday 
of Ms. Susan Luckie Reilly. Susan is a former ranger at Joshua Tree 
National Park and she was born in 1916, the same year the National Park 
Service (NPS) was founded.
  Ms. Reilly is a graduate of Stanford University, where she studied 
psychology, sociology, and political science, and went on to join the 
NPS in 1965 where she worked as a seasonal ranger and naturalist for 
Joshua Tree National Park. It was in the desert where she developed a 
life-long love for conservation efforts and preservation of the desert 
area.
  In 1969, Ms. Reilly founded the Morongo Basin Conservation 
Association (MBCA), a successful grassroots effort to prevent a utility 
company from degrading wildlife and the natural beauty of the Morongo 
Basin in order to run a massive power transmission corridor straight 
through the heart of the basin. The MBCA has remained committed to 
advocating for the safety, health, and preservation of the desert area.
  In 2004, Ms. Reilly was the recipient of the prestigious Minerva Hoyt 
Award, which recognizes individuals that promote conservation efforts 
and leave a lasting impact on California deserts. In 2013, she was 
awarded the Women of Distinction Award from Congressman Paul Cook, an 
honor bestowed on women who demonstrate outstanding leadership and 
integrity.
  Mr. Speaker, Ms. Reilly has been an inspiration to both her community 
and this country throughout her 100 years on this Earth. Let's all join 
in celebrating this special day with her and wishing her a happy 100th 
Birthday.

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