I believe it is because of those efforts that Rep. Thompson has put together an impressive coalition of individuals and public and private entities in support of his bill. Mr. Chairman, I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention the legislative efforts of Senator Boxer who is scheduled to join us here today and Senator Feinstein who has a statement for the record. It is not hard to understand why there is such interest in protecting these Northern California lands. Their spectacular beauty, ruggedness, and solitude epitomize the very idea of wilderness.

Today we will also be hearing about HR 2975, the Public Lands Corps Healthy Forests Restoration Act. The Public Lands Corps Healthy Forests Restoration Act is an important opportunity to engage disadvantaged youth in projects to prevent and suppress fire on public lands. I am pleased to be an original cosponsor of this important legislation.

HR 1129, the Pitkin County Land Exchange, is also an important piece of legislation. I would like to welcome witness Patti Clapper, Pitkin County Commissioner, and recognize Congressman Mark Udall for his leadership on HR 1129.

Finally, I want to thank Rep. Walden for including my colleague from New Mexico and the new Chairman of the Parks subcommittee, Rep. Pearce’s bill HR 2720 – the Salt Cedar and Russian Olive Control Demonstration Act. Chairman Pearce has worked tirelessly to try to enact legislation that will help us better manage salt cedar and Russian olive trees and hopefully keep some water in our streams. This year’s legislation tracks very closely to a bill introduced by Senator Domenici (S. 177) which was reported from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in February.

Again, many thanks to Chairman Walden for moving these bills forward and I hope we are able to get these important pieces of legislation out of our subcommittee, to the full committee, and onto the House floor in short order.