Mr. President, December 8, 2004, approximately 80 percent of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin was designated the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness. Although we did not formally celebrate…
Mr. President, December 8, 2004, approximately 80 percent of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin was designated the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness. Although we did not formally celebrate the new wilderness area until August 8, 2005, we have been delighting in the designation ever since December of last year.
The designation of the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore on August 8, 2005 was a tremendous occasion for both Wisconsin and the country. I was deeply honored to participate in the ceremony marking the creation of the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness. I knew Gaylord, and am proud to occupy his Senate seat. Like all of those in attendance at the dedication ceremony, including Tia Nelson, Governor Doyle, Congressman Obey, local officials, tribal chairs, and many others, I was deeply saddened that Gaylord wasn't able to be sitting among us, having passed away on July 3, 2005.
However, I do believe that, because the area, the magnificent Apostles, and the wilderness designation we were celebrating were such a part of Gaylord, he was in fact there with us that day, urging us to mark the achievement and to continue his life's work of building a national conservation ethic. As we all know, while his record of achievements is long and impressive, it is Senator Nelson's passion and commitment to protecting our environment that will remain the centerpiece of his legacy. For this reason, Senator Kohl and I have submitted a resolution to bring recognition to Gaylord's unwavering efforts on behalf of the environment and to celebrate the dedication of a wilderness area rightly named in his honor.
Gaylord so believed in his responsibility to the environment that he started a revolution that has inspired millions of people from across the globe. The day he created in 1970--Earth Day--has become a cause for celebration, education, and reflection for all. Simply stated, Gaylord Nelson changed the consciousness of a Nation, and quite possibly the world. He was a distinguished Governor and Senator, a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and a personal hero of mine. Most importantly, he was the embodiment of the principle that one person can change the world.
August 8, 2005 marked the beginning of a new period for the Apostle Islands and I could not be more proud of this. In 1998, Representative Obey and I asked for a wilderness survey. Seven years later, we finally gathered to salute the awe-inspiring resource as well as the man who dedicated himself to protecting our environment, particularly those places where we humans are but humble visitors--wilderness areas. Let us not forget, however, that before we could talk about having a wilderness area within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, we had to have a National Lakeshore. I am sure it will come as no surprise that Gaylord was essential in the effort to recognize the Apostle Islands as a national treasure.
The wild and primitive nature of the Apostles and now the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness has always been an attraction, not only for Wisconsin residents but for people from across the globe. At the Apostles you can find pristine old growth forests; wetlands that are home to an astounding ecological diversity; birds that travel long distances and use the islands for respite; and amphibians, which can act as indicators of the Park's environmental health.
It is a truly amazing place.
And people know it. In fact, just recently, the Apostles was rated the #1 National Park in the U.S. by National Geographic Traveler. The rating was based on a variety of factors, most notably environmental and ecological quality, social and cultural integrity, and the outlook for the future.
We have it all in the Park--ecological and cultural resources intertwined with one another. The history of the islands is a history of people living off, and very much in balance with, the land and water surrounding them. A visit to the Apostles and the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness can be, if we let go of the trappings of modern society, an enlightening voyage that challenges us to think about those who came before us, those who will follow us, and the connections between us and the natural resources we depend on for our survival.
The Ojibwae, who Wisconsinites know were the original inhabitants of the Apostles, had great respect for the resources. They believed in taking something only if they were giving something in return. The Ojibwae people understood their dependence on the environment long before many others began contemplating such a relationship. Unfortunately, as a society, we have not always heeded their example. We must be better stewards of our land, our air, and our water. Gaylord pushed us toward that goal every day of his life. And, what better way to mark the dedication of the Wilderness Area named in his honor than for each of us to dedicate ourselves to actively carrying his legacy forward. That is Gaylord's challenge for all of us.
So many people supported the creation of the Lakeshore and the Wilderness area. The support has taken many forms--all of which have added to the success of our Park and the wilderness designation. I am especially grateful for the families who have donated their properties, many of which are filled with childhood and other cherished family memories, for the betterment of
the whole Apostle Islands and now the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness. Future generations whom none of us will ever know will benefit deeply from their commitment to one of Wisconsin's most treasured places.
Every time I visit the Apostles and pieces of what are now the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness, I depart with a sense of inner peace and clarity. A New York Times journalist wrote about the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in 1972, saying he encountered a ``silence so intense you can hear it.'' I believe that what all those who visit the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness are bound to hear through that ``intense silence'' is Gaylord himself calling them to action.
