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Vol. 151 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, September 14, 2005 No. 115

###  The 25^th^ Anniversary of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail

    Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the 25th
anniversary of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, which will be observed
later this week but officially occurs on October 3, 2005. This
anniversary is an appropriate time to celebrate not just the
breathtaking beauty of our natural surroundings or the accomplishments
of and opportunities provided by a cherished unit of the National Park
Service over the past 25 years. It also gives us the chance to mark the
achievements that are possible when a dedicated group of volunteers
commit themselves to a long-term vision of improving their environment,
their communities, their State, and their country.

   Much of North America\'s landscape was formed by retreating ice
sheets some 15,000 years ago and the beauty this retreat exposed
surrounds each of us. However, it is the two-thirds of Wisconsin that
were shaped during this glacial movement whose majestic beauty is, quite
simply, unmatched. I know that all Wisconsinites appreciate the special
places that owe their existence to these glacial changes\--from our
thousands of inland lakes and streams to our meandering eskers and
rolling moraines, and from the top of Timm\'s Hill down to the gravelly
shores of Lake Michigan.

   Wisconsin\'s geological history communicates a fascinating story and
the Ice Age National Scenic Trail helps to both preserve that story, by
protecting the scenic beauty, and to tell that story, by allowing people
the opportunity to explore it. The trail, which starts in Green Bay,
follows the path of the Wisconsin Glaciation, stretches for more than
1,000 miles across the State, and finally ends at the Interstate State
Park Ice Age Reserve Unit at the Dalles of the St. Croix River.
Throughout its meanderings, the trail takes you on a journey like no
other.

   In addition to learning about the geological history of Wisconsin, a
visitor to the trail will find a multitude of recreational
opportunities. These activities can be equally enjoyed by individuals
seeking solitude and by groups and families who want to increase their
togetherness. All areas on the Ice Age Trail encourage hiking and
backpacking, and some portions permit non-motorized sports such as
bicycling, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and
jogging. I cannot think of a better place to engage in these activities
than along the Ice Age Trail.

   The stories associated with the trail aren\'t only about the
geological history of our State. The trail also tells the story of
individuals working to fulfill a dream. In the 1950s, the late Ray
Zillmer, of Milwaukee, envisioned a trail spanning across Wisconsin\'s
glacial landscape. In 1958, the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation was
formed by a grassroots movement of Wisconsin citizens interested in
promoting the creation of a national park that would recognize the
glacial footprint in Wisconsin. These citizens\' efforts were finally
recognized when, in 1971, the State of Wisconsin cooperated with the
National Park Service to create the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve.
Finally, in 1980\--over 20 years after Mr. Zillmer\'s work
began\--Congress recognized the national significance of our landscape
and the importance of sharing it with the country and designated the Ice
Age Trail as a National Scenic Trail.

   Our trail is administered jointly by the Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources, the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation, and the
National Park Service, but it is the efforts of volunteers that truly
make the trail shine. From those as young as 11 to those in their 70s, I
salute the volunteers who are committed to improving our Ice Age
National Scenic Trail. Their actions carry on the vision of past
Wisconsinites to leave their surroundings a bit better off than they
found them.

   Over the past 25 years, the trail has flourished. It has grown
tremendously and today there are many segments proposed for inclusion. I
can\'t wait to watch as the next 25 years go by. In fact, I look forward
to participating in the 50th anniversary celebration!

   In closing, I congratulate the Ice Age National Scenic Trail on its
25th anniversary and commend all those associated with it for their
efforts to make it one of the most outstanding parts of the National
Trails System