The Subcommittee will now come to order. Thank you.
Today we will receive testimony on six bills.
I would like to note that today marks the first congressional
appearance of newly confirmed BLM Director Bob Abbey. I was
delighted to spend some time with Director Abbey earlier this
week, and I welcome him here today. I look forward to working
with you on the many pressing issues facing the BLM.
[I would also like to thank the Senators from Utah for taking
time today to come over and discuss H.R. 1925 -- as well as the
Lt. Governor of Utah. I know this Red Rocks wilderness bill has
garnered just a bit of attention today! And I know the debate on
Red Rocks wilderness might be a contentious one. But, I hope
that we can still strive to be constructive despite differences.]
We are actually hearing testimony on two wilderness bills
today. Besides America's Red Rock Wilderness in Utah, we will
also hear about Devils Staircase Wilderness in Oregon. I am
proud of what we have accomplished this Congress, so far, on
wilderness designation in the passage of Public Land 111-11.
And I have made clear that I intend to continue to support efforts
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to protect wilderness quality lands and to enhance the
responsible stewardship of our public lands in general.
H.R. 1925, America's Red Rock Wilderness Act, introduced
by our good friend on the Subcommittee, Congressman
Hinchey, would designate as wilderness 9 million acres of land
managed by the BLM in the state of Utah. Many of these lands
are world-renowned for their narrow, sandstone slot-canyons,
slick-rock cliffs and stone walls covered with petroglyphs. The
rugged mesas and buttes provide outstanding recreational
opportunities, critical habitat for a variety of endangered species
and contain important remnants of ancient cultures.
I think we can all agree that dramatic landscapes like these
are worth protecting. The canyon country of Utah is certainly
unique, and definitely irreplaceable. It's an important place to all
Americans.
But I am also aware that a proposal of this size and
complexity, presents some unique challenges, and has invoked
strong emotions -- on both sides of the issue.
In today's hearing, I look forward to hearing about both the
benefits of this legislation, as well as the concerns. And again, I
look forward to an honest and rigorous discussion about the
merits of this bill.
H.R. 2888, Devil's Staircase would protect 29,600 acres of
National Forest and Bureau of Land Management lands. The
area is considered one of Oregon's most remote locations. As
our colleague Congressman DeFazio found out first hand, the
hike to the Devil's Staircase waterfall within the proposed
wilderness area is not for the faint of heart. I am interested in
learning more about this unique location.
H.R. 118 would authorize the National Park Service to
acquire up to 100 additional acres for Morristown National
Historical Park.
H.R. 2689, would authorize a study of the National D-day
Memorial in Bedford, Virginia for possible inclusion in the
National Park System.
H.R. 2781 would add 21.3 miles of the Molalla River in
Oregon to our national wild and scenic rivers system.
We appreciate all of our witnesses and sponsors for joining
us today.
With that said, I'd now like to turn to Ranking Member
Bishop for any opening statement he may have.