William R. Richardson: “Mr. Speaker, H.R. 562, as introduced, would have modified the boundaries of the Walnut Canyon National Monument to…”

“Mr. Speaker, H.R. 562, as introduced, would have modified the boundaries of the Walnut Canyon National Monument to provide for the inclusion of approximately 1,239 acres to be administratively transferred to the National Park Service from the Forest Service and the deletion of 54 acres which would be administratively transferred to the Forest Service from the National Park Service. The bill was subsequently amended by the Resources Committee to also include within the monument boundaries 53 acres of private property. I find it ironic that when Representative Karan English introduced this legislation last year, it included a private property owner. Subsequently, that owner decided, that after supporting being in the bill, he no longer wanted to be included. That same private landowner now again wants his property included in the bill and the committee amendment accomplishes this. I supported this amendment in committee because the resource values of that private property would be an excellent addition to the monument.”