Political Quotes

“I rise today to introduce the San Juan Islands National Conservation Area Act. The San Juan Islands in northwest Washington host some of the most beautiful, serene spots in the world. The San Juans are made up of 172 islands with over 300 miles of shoreline, some little more than rocks, others home to towns, farms, and forests. The coastlines are a mix of sandy and rocky beaches, shallow and deep harbors, and placid and reef- studded bays. And between the many islands run channels of water that support many of Washington's most important marine species, including abundant salmon runs and our majestic regional icon, the orca whale. Included in the San Juan Islands are nearly 1,000 acres of land owned by the Federal Government, spread out over 60 separate locations and managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, BLM. These parcels, which range from pine forests to lighthouses, provide recreational, ecological, historical, cultural, and scientific benefits to island residents and around 70,000 tourists that visit each year. Despite their value, no long-term comprehensive management plan exists for these Federal parcels, threatening continued preservation and public access to these sites. Many of these areas are fragile, increasing the challenge of accommodating increasing numbers of visitors. In addition, San Juan Island residents have seen the possibility of public lands they treasure being transferred to private ownership.…”