Barbara Boxer: “I am honored to introduce today a bill-- cosponsored by Senator Feinstein--to designate a trail in the Headwaters Forest…”

“I am honored to introduce today a bill-- cosponsored by Senator Feinstein--to designate a trail in the Headwaters Forest Reserve in California after John L. Burton, one of California's great public servants. The entire California Democratic delegation in the House, led by Representative George Miller, introduced the same bill last week. John served honorably in the United States House of Representatives in the early 1980s and in the California State Assembly, before being elected to the California State Senate. There, in 1998, his colleagues elected him as the California Senate's President Pro Tem. John devoted his career to the service of all Californians, and for that, we honor him with this legislation. Designating this particular trail is a fitting tribute because a few years ago, John was instrumental in protecting the pristine and invaluable land that is now known as the Headwaters Forest Reserve. Comprised of more than 7,000 acres of ancient redwoods, many of which are over 2,000 years old and 300 feet high, the Reserve was saved from potentially devastating logging in 1999. Numerous plant species and wildlife, including the Marbled Murrelet, dwell in this Reserve. The Reserve also protects rivers and streams that provide habitat essential for threatened salmon. For his service to the people of California and his essential role in protecting a priceless parcel of California land, I am proud to introduce the John L. Burton Trail Act.…”