Barbara Cubin: “I rise in support of S. 273, and ask that this body support its passage. The Grand Teton National Park Land Exchange Act…”

“I rise in support of S. 273, and ask that this body support its passage. The Grand Teton National Park Land Exchange Act was introduced by Senator Thomas, co-sponsored by Senator Enzi, and is supported by all five elected Wyoming state officials, the National Park Service and the local communities. This bill presents a very unique opportunity with regards to federal land management in our National Parks that will greatly benefit the American public as well as Wyoming school children. The Jackson Valley has a history as colorful and amazing as the Grand Tetons that rise nearly 14,000 feet above the glacial lakes at their base. The first visitors to the Grand Tetons and the Jackson Valley were the Shoshone, Crow, Blackfoot, and Gros Ventre Indian tribes who treated the area as a summer hunting ground and sacred area. Later, in the 1800's, many fur trappers visited this consecrated ground, and were stunned by its raw beauty and diverse ecosystem.”