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United States of America Congressional Record PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 99' CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION Vol l}2 WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1986 No. 159 Senate Mr. HECHT. Mr. President, I am very pleased that the Senate is about to send to the President this legislation to create the Great Basin National Park in Nevada. When the Senate passed S. 2506 a few weeks ago, I was confident that we had done an excellent job designing a park that took in the most impressive features of the Snake Range, while still protecting the mainstays of the local economy: mining and ranching. Another very important provision in the Senate-passed bill involved language protecting water rights in Nevada. Finally, the boundaries of the bill excluded private land from the 44,000-acre park. Everyone who has a national park in their State understands the complex, chronic, and emotionally charged problems that almost always occur when private land is put inside a national park. One of the main reasons I introduced a modest 44,000-acre bill was simply because I expected the Senate would have to give some ground on the grazing issue, and a bill affecting a small number of acres would also limit any damage that would result from the House weakening our Senate language on grazing. I was pleased to see that the House's only change to the Senate bill was in the acreage involved. I was also presently surprised to see that even with the larger acreage, the House was willing to keep private land outside of the park, and accept the Senate language with regard to water rights and grazing. With the Senate language left intact, I feel comfortable agreeing to the House amendment to my bill, which expands the Senate bill to 76,800 acres. After I had a chance to review the House amendment, I spoke with Interior Secretary Hodel, and George Dunlop, the Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment. On the basis of these conversations, I am satisfied that the administration will support the amended Senate bill. I must compliment Congressman Vucanovich on her defense of the Senate language, and Congressman Vento for his willingness to be cooperative and for his efforts to help Congressman Vucanovich pass this bill through the House with an amendment that we in the Senate could accept. Mr. President, this legislation will add a new crown jewel to our Nation's National Parks System. It will give Nevada its first national park. It will protect forever a beautiful piece of our Nation, and it will also protect the rights and way of life of the good citizens of White Pine County, NV. Mr. President, I urge the Senate to act on this legislation, and bring to a close in a fair and gratifying manner the 60 years of debate and conflict that has revolved around the creation of this park.