05.20.04

Cantwell Proposal for Lewis and Clark National Park; Receives Senate Hearing; Advances to Committee for Approval

SW Historian Rex Ziak Testifies at Hearing; Park Receives Department of Interior Support

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee's Subcommittee on National Parks held a hearing on U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell's bill to protect three Washington state sites significant to Lewis and Clark's original journey. Cantwell's legislation will also create a "Lewis and Clark National Historic Park," encompassing Fort Clatsop National Memorial, other state parks and the sites proposed for protection.

"Lewis and Clark's epic journey to explore and chart the western frontier of our fledgling nation has enormous meaning to American history. Those of us in Washington state, are particularly moved by their journey, since the Lewis and Clark expedition achieved its momentous goal of reaching the Pacific Ocean in our state almost 200 years ago," Cantwell said.

"The Lewis and Clark expedition was America's great odyssey, and symbolized core American values such as teamwork, courage, science, and opportunity. By remembering Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery through the creation of a new national park, we can help our children and future generations discover an important chapter in the history of our nation and of Washington state and understand what makes America great," Cantwell added.

In preparation for next year's bicentennial celebration of Lewis and Clark's historic expedition, Cantwell's bill, the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park Act of 2004 (S. 2167), will protect three sites, totaling 560 acres, on the lower Columbia River that played crucial roles during the Corps of Discovery expedition's dramatic arrival at the Pacific Ocean. It will protect Clark's Dismal Nitch, where the expedition first viewed the ocean and was trapped during a horrific six-day storm. It will also set aside Station Camp, where the group held a historic vote among all group members – including Sacagawea and York – on where the expedition should stay for the winter. Finally, Cantwell's bill will preserve Cape Disappointment, marking the furthest point westward reached by Lewis and Clark.

The legislation designates these sites and Oregon's Fort Clatsop National Memorial as the "Lewis and Clark National Historic Park." The bill also authorizes management partnerships with Oregon's Ecola State Park and Fort Stevens State Park, and Washington's Fort Columbia State Park and Cape Disappointment State Park.

"Together, these federal and state lands will help tell the story of the explorers at the bicentennial and for many years to come," stated Cantwell.

Historian Rex Ziak, who was invited to testify at today's hearing by Sen. Cantwell, observed that this legislation "will create an unparalleled historic experience. This rare opportunity to connect these historic sites will allow the public to walk in the footsteps of history by retracing Lewis and Clark's final dozen miles to the ocean in the exact order and the exact location it was done 200 years ago."

At today's hearing the Department of the Interior gave Cantwell's legislation its strong support. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Paul Hoffman said her proposal "offers an exciting and timely opportunity to expand the American public's appreciation of the great achievements of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and to do so through a very promising partnership with two states that are extremely supportive of this effort."

State Sen. Mark L. Doumit, State Rep. Brian Hatfield, and State Rep. Brian Blake shared their enthusiastic support of the bill in a letter to the committee. They wrote that Cantwell's legislation "enjoys the broad support of local citizens, county, state, and municipal governments, port districts, civic groups, and public safety organizations." The trio also noted "Local stakeholders were involved with its development at every stage, providing input from inception until final drafting."

Cantwell's legislation comes after the National Park Service completed a year-long public process, determining these three sites of "national significance, suitability, and feasibility" and recommended they be added to Fort Clatsop. The study was a result of legislation Cantwell cosponsored in 2002, called the Fort Clatsop Expansion Act. The bill also expanded Fort Clatsop National Memorial from 125 acres to 1500 acres. The park is the only national park solely dedicated to Lewis and Clark.

Senators Gordon Smith (R-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) co-sponsored Cantwell's bill when she introduced it in March of this year. It now will be considered by the full Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, then by the full Senate. The bill should move forward this year in time to be enjoyed by the million-plus visitors expected at the bicentennial celebration in November of 2005.

Rep. Brian Baird (D-WA-03) has introduced a companion measure in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Cantwell serves on the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and is a member of the Senate Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Congressional Caucus.