This legislation would ensure Big Cypress continues to provide important benefits to outdoor recreation communities.

I would urge the Committee's strong consideration of support for this bill.

I also thank you for your Committee's willingness to consider my bipartisan bill, H.R. 8206, which would protect this preserve from Federal Government overreach in the Miccosukee Tribe's access to their sacred lands.

Only Congress has the authority to designate wilderness.

If the schools are voting with their feet and not participating, then for whatever reasons, the juice is not worth the squeeze for them.

I'm also concerned about the implications for NOAA staff.