Date: 2011-10-03
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of H.R. 765. "The Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2011." which amends the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986 to require the term and acreage of permits for the operation of ski areas and associated facilities on National Forest System lands to be governed by provisions under the Act relating to such permits and other applicable law. Furthermore. this legislation provides for the issuance of permits for the use and occupancy of suitable lands within the National Forest System for skiing and other snow sports and recreational uses authorized pursuant to this Act. The Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act provides the American public with added ways to use and enjoy federally governed land. It is in a spirit of encouraging increased camaraderie. outdoor recreation and enjoyment of nature that I support providing an expanded opportunity for Americans to benefit from the natural resources in their own back yard. It is the responsibility of all Members of Congress to fulfill our moral obligation to promote harmony between Americans and the vast opportunities for outdoor recreation throughout the country. Additionally. this legislation serves to create revenue by allowing for additional permits. bolstering ski and winter recreation industries. In the State of Texas. we have nearly 675.000 acres of public land that the U.S. Forest Service manages. This land is divided into four National Forests in east Texas and the National Grasslands in northeast Texas. Of the four National Forests. the 18th district is home to the Sam Houston National Forest. The Sam Houston National Forest consists of 161.508 acres with 47.609 acres in Montgomery County. 59.746 acres in San Jacinto County. and 54.153 acres in Walker County. The national forests in Texas were established by an act of the Texas legislature in 1933 that authorized the purchase of lands for the national forest system. These lands are operated under a Memorandum of Agreement with the U.S. Forest Service. Fishing. trapping. and public hunting of whitetailed deer. feral hog. waterfowl. dove. other migratory game birds. squirrel. quail. rabbits. hares. predators. furbearers. and frogs is permitted. Other outdoor recreation opportunities include camping. hiking. bicycling. and wildlife viewing. In 1960. the Multiple UseSustained Yield Act codified into law the practices that had governed the management of national forests in Texas for 30 years. This act emphasized that resources on public lands would be managed so that they are used in the combination that will best meet the needs of the people. that the benefits obtained will exist indefinitely and that each each natural resource would be managed in balance with other resources to meet present and future public needs. Management plans outline direction for a forest under the multipleuse concept. However. even the most carefully planned system of management cannot foresee environmental or natural factors which can cause drastic changes in a forest. Fire. storms. insects and disease. for example. can alter the way a forest is managed. H.R. 765. "The Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2011." provides for the issuance of permits for the use and occupancy of suitable lands within the National Forest System for skiing and other snow sports and recreational uses. highlighting the climate and recreational opportunities unique to specific regions of the nation. Since our nations founding. we have marveled with immense pride at our vast natural resources. and this legislation serves to celebrate them.