Jon L. Christensen: “House Resolution 390 was introduced by my colleague, the gentleman from Arkansas, Representative Mike Ross. The bill…”

“House Resolution 390 was introduced by my colleague, the gentleman from Arkansas, Representative Mike Ross. The bill would express recognition by the House of Representatives of the importance of the Ouachita National Forest on its centennial. The Ouachita is the largest and the oldest national forest in the southern region of the United States. On December 18, 1907 President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed the establishment of what he called Arkansas National Forest. Nineteen years later, by Executive order, President Calvin Coolidge changed the name of the forest to the Ouachita National Forest, reflecting the name of both the local mountains and the main river running through the forest. The forest encompasses six wilderness areas, seven scenic areas and 11 shooting ranges, as well as 35 recreational areas, including the 26,445-acre Winding Stair National Recreation Area. Mr. Speaker, Ouachita is a noteworthy unit of our National Forest System, and it is appropriate that we take this action today to celebrate the forest's centennial. I want to commend and congratulate my colleague, Representative Ross, for his commitment and leadership on this matter. We support the passage of House Resolution 390 and urge its adoption by the House today.”