[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 15726-15727]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




IN HONOR OF THE HONORABLE SAM FARR AND THE ELEVATION OF PINNACLES TO A 
                             NATIONAL PARK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIMMY PANETTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 5, 2017

  Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my predecessor in 
this seat, the Honorable Sam Farr, for one of the most significant 
accomplishments of his public career. In 2012, he led a remarkable bi-
partisan effort to pass legislation that elevated the Pinnacles 
National Monument to our nation's 59th national park. On Saturday, 
October 7, the Pinnacles National Park Foundation will recognize Sam 
for this instrumental contribution to the conservation and 
interpretation of our nation's natural heritage.
  Mr. Speaker, the Pinnacles is a truly remarkable place, but the 
Pinnacles National Park is more than its stunning scenery. The remnant 
of a 23 million-year-old volcano, the San Andreas fault carried the 
Pinnacles several hundred miles north to its present location. Its 
unique habitats form an island of biodiversity that is home to numerous 
unique plant and animal species, including the California Condor and 
over 400 species of bees.

[[Page 15727]]

  It is also a place for people. The indigenous Amah Mutsun and 
Piknacih peoples lived amongst, traveled through, and revered the 
Pinnacles for thousands of years. The Spanish friars planted one of 
California's first vineyards in the shadow of the Pinnacles. After 
California became part of the United States, local ranchers would take 
summer trips to the Pinnacles caves to escape the heat. A rancher from 
one of those families, Schuler Hain, led a public campaign to have the 
Federal Government protect the Pinnacles. That culminated in President 
Theodore Roosevelt designating the Pinnacles a National Monument in 
1908.
  In the 5 years since its elevation to National Park status, even more 
people have come to visit the Pinnacles. This has provided a remarkable 
boost for the surrounding communities' economies, who have seen 
increases in their hospitality business. Prior to arriving to Congress, 
I heard Sam tell the story that the idea to author legislation 
initially came during a Rotary meeting in a community near the 
Pinnacles. A Rotarian suggested that making the Pinnacles a National 
Park would help the local economy.
  Sam took that idea, added the environmental conservation element, and 
crafted legislation that could garner widespread support. He found a 
Republican partner in our colleague Jeff Denham. Together, they helped 
steer the bill through the House and ultimately to President Obama's 
desk.
  Mr. Speaker, I know I speak for the whole House in thanking Sam for 
his years of service, and in particular for his efforts to designate 
Pinnacles National Park. The Honorable Sam Farr has given us a living 
postcard we can send to our children and grandchildren. Our community 
is forever grateful for his service.

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