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Protecting Our
National Forests
The National Forest
System helps conserve and protect over 191 million acres of forestland for the
American people. Every year, millions of Americans use the forests to camp,
fish and hunt. In addition, these forests are an important part of the
environment and help provide us with clean air and water, and an abundant
wildlife. These forests must be protected.
I am a cosponsor of the National
Forest Roadless Area Conservation Act (H.R. 3563 ) ,
which would prevent roads from being built in 58.5 million acres of our
national forests.
I am also a cosponsor of
the National Forest Protection and Restoration Act (H.R. 3420),
which would prevent commercial logging and timber sales on public federal
lands.
Additional information
from the Library of Congress:
Preserving the Lower Farmington
River and
Salmon Brook
The Farmington
River
and Salmon Brook are unique cultural and recreational resources for the first
district and the State ofConnecticut. Threats to the Lower Farmington’s
water quality demonstrate the urgent need for a cooperative effort among
federal, state, and local interests to preserve the river for future
generations. The Lower Farmington
clearly deserves federal protection and would make a valuable addition to the
Wild and Scenic River System. To this end, I joined Congresswoman
Nancy Johnson (CT-5) in introducing the (H.R. 1344)
to study these rivers for potential addition to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers
System. Designation as a federal wild and scenic river would qualify would
ensure that the lower Farmington
River is
preserved and protected for the benefit of this and future generations.
11/13/06 - Larson Applauds Passage of Bill
to Protect Lower Farmington River
and Salmon Brook
Protecting the Long
Island Sound
The Long Island Sound is an important economic and ecological resource for Connecticut and New England.
The Sound contributes approximately $6 billion annually to the regional economy
and is a cherished resource for the 28 million people that live within 50 miles
of its shores. I joined with my colleagues in the Connecticut
delegation in cosponsoring the Long Island Sound Stewardship Act (H.R. 307) to
identify, protect and enhance sites with ecological, education, and
recreational value along the Sound in Connecticut
and New York.
In addition, I have worked with the delegation to secure much needed funding to
help preserve and protect the Sound for future generations.
Preserving New
England’s Scenic Trails
The Monadnock,
Metacoment, and Mattabesett (MMM) Trail System stretches 220 miles from the
border of New Hampshire to the Connecticut shoreline and through the First District
towns of East Granby, Bloomfield, West Hartford, Berlin, Southington, and Middletown,
It offers a variety of scenic features, diverse ecosystems, and historic
sites. Currently, more than two million people live within ten miles of
the trail system and development throughout New England
threatens its future. I have joined with other members of the New England congressional delegation in cosponsoring the New
England National Scenic Trail Designation Act (H.R. 1528)
to designate the MMM Trail System as the New England National Scenic
Trail. This legislation, which follows the recommendations of a 2006
feasibility study performed by the Department of the Interior, would generate
the necessary increased levels of attention and resources that are needed for
the long-term viability of the trail system.
Additional Cosponsorhips
H.R. 1155
The Alaska Rainforest Conservation Act
Designates specified lands in the Chugach
National Forest and in the Tongass National Forest
located in Alaska
as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System.
H.R. 1204
Rockies Prosperity Act
Designates the following lands in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and
Wyoming as wilderness and components of the National Wilderness Preservation
System (System): (1) Greater Glacier/Northern Continental Divide ecosystem; (2)
Greater Yellowstone ecosystem; (3) Greater Salmon/Selway ecosystem; (4) Greater
Cabinet/Yaak/Selkirk ecosystem; (5) Islands in the Sky Wilderness; and (6)
Blackfeet Wilderness.
H.R. 1774
America's Red Rock Wilderness Act of 2003
Designates specified lands in the following areas of Utah as components of
the National Wilderness Preservation System: (1) Great Basin; (2) Zion and
Mojave Desert; (3) the Grand Staircase and the Escalante Canyons; (4) Moab-La
Sal Canyons; (5) Henry Mountains; (6) Glen Canyon; (7) San Juan-Anasazi; (8)
Canyonlands Basin; (9) San Rafael Swell; and (10) Book Cliffs and Uinta Basin.
Caucuses
Livable
Communities Task Force: The LCTF seeks to both educate Members of congress
and their staff on the federal role in enhancing community livability, as well
as support those policies that help make America's families healthy, safe,
and more economically secure.
Additional Information
Helpful Links
House Committee on Resources
Environmental
Protection Agency
National
Park Service
Connecticut
Department of Environmental Protection
Connecticut
State Parks and Forests
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