One of the greatest treasures in East Tennessee is the Obed Wild and Scenic River System which flows through Morgan County in Tennessee's 3rd Congressional District as part of the National Park System. This area and others like it across the country are funded by the House Appropriations Committee's Interior Subcommittee on which I have served for the last four years.

Last week my family and I took advantage of the opportunity to canoe a section of the Obed Wild and Scenic River System on Clear Creek between Jett Bridge and Lilly Bridge. The water was crystal clear and beautiful. The rapids were exciting but not too dangerous. The weather was perfect, and the time with local paddlers, state and national park officials was educational, informative and just downright fun.

The quality of life in East Tennessee is superior to any place in our country because our people are good and decent folks who work hard and care for each other and because the sky, water, rivers, mountains, lakes and wildlife are second to none in the Eastern United States and must be preserved for future generations.

The folks from the area who spent the day with us reported that people from Illinois or Michigan often drive all day and night to spend the weekend in the Obed Watershed. These outdoor enthusiasts from other parts of the country can't believe that some people in East Tennessee have never experienced the magnitude of God's creation that exists right here in our proverbial backyard. Truly, the amenities in our parks, forests and rivers are world-class and should be appreciated by the people who own them - the taxpayers of our state and nation. The dedicated employees who maintain and operate these treasures deserve our gratitude as well.

As the representative of this grand district in the U.S. Congress, I encourage all our citizens to visit and enjoy these special places and pay tribute to the fine people who have been charged with the stewardship of our mountains and streams set aside for recreation and conservation. Our natural resources are indeed precious and deserve our enthusiastic support.