Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2569 would designate segments of the Upper Missisquoi and Trout Rivers as recreational rivers under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. These river segments provide local Vermonters with opportunities to swim, fish, kayak, and hike and are dotted with scenic and historic sites like waterfalls and covered bridges. They would be first designated Wild and Scenic rivers. They would be the first designated Wild and Scenic rivers in Vermont. The designation is widely popular with landowners and local stakeholders. H.R. 2569 authorizes the establishment of cooperative agreements, including financial assistance with the State of Vermont and other entities to further the long-term protection and preservation of the identified river segments. Since much of the land along the river is private property, the designation will allow landowners to emphasize the ecological and recreational value of the river while upholding long-established property rights. Any land acquisition associated with the Wild and Scenic designation must be done by donation and accompanied by a written consent from the landowner. The bill also establishes that the river segments will not be managed as part of the National Park system. I would like to thank and congratulate my colleague from Vermont (Mr. Welch) for his work on this bill and on behalf of his constituents. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.”