John Hansen: “Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1680 introduced by my colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas), provides for a land…”

“Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1680 introduced by my colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas), provides for a land exchange between the Stanislaus Forest and Kern County, California. It will transfer approximately 70 acres of national forest land that has been used by the county for more than 50 years as a juvenile detention facility known as Camp Owen to county ownership. In exchange, the county will transfer the undeveloped portion of its Greenhorn Mountain Park, approximately 52 acres, to the Forest Service which manages the adjacent national forest lands. Several other small parcels are also included in exchange, and the county will provide a cash equalization payment to the Forest Service to make up the difference in land values. The Forest Service and the county have worked hard to resolve their differences over details of this bill. I congratulate the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas) for his work in achieving this agreement, which is reflected in the amendment that was reported by the Committee on Resources. Mr. Speaker, this is a good bill which will ensure that the lands transferred to the county will continue to be used as a juvenile detention facility and school. Valid existing rights will be protected and land ownership will be consolidated, which should improve management efficiencies for both the Forest Service and Kern County.”