To modify the boundaries of Cibola National Forest in the State of New Mexico, to transfer certain Bureau of Land Management land for inclusion in the national forest, and for other purposes.

I want to thank my friend from Massachusetts for the time today and for her leadership on these issues.

Mr. Speaker, the Cibola National Forest provides a stunning backdrop to the city of Albuquerque and much of central New Mexico. Stretching north to south through the Sandia and Manzano Mountains, this national forest demonstrates the value of preserving wild places near urban areas.

H.R. 491 would expand the boundaries of the forest to streamline management and improve recreational access for local residents. It would transfer a 917-acre parcel, known as the Crest of Montezuma, from the Bureau of Land Management to the Forest Service.

The Crest of Montezuma is an isolated BLM parcel adjacent to Cibola National Forest. The bill would also extend the forest boundary around three small parcels of private land adjacent to the Crest of Montezuma to allow the future purchase of these parcels subject to available funds.

The owners of these parcels are willing sellers and eager to see their land permanently protected for the public good.

H.R. 491 has strong local support from local residents, including from the Las Placitas Association, a 300-member citizen group that represents residents near the Crest of Montezuma. Local sportsmen also support the bill because of the importance of these lands as wildlife habitat.

Over the last 3 years, I've received many letters from constituents asking me to make sure that the Crest of Montezuma is managed in a way that preserves its role as a wildlife corridor and opens it up for recreation for local residents.

I am pleased to sponsor this bill to add these critical lands to the Cibola National Forest, and I ask my colleagues for their support.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 491) to modify the boundaries of Cibola National Forest in the State of New Mexico, to transfer certain Bureau of Land Management land for inclusion in the national forest, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

This legislation would authorize the transfer of a parcel of land known as the Crest of Montezuma from the Bureau of Land Management to the Forest Service.

The Crest of Montezuma is remote from the current BLM-managed areas. It can be better managed by the Forest Service as part of the Cibola National Forest. Both agencies agree and support this legislation.

I urge the adoption of this measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

I have no other speakers. Do you have anyone else on this issue?

I also yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

(Ms. TSONGAS asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

I rise in support of this legislation, and applaud Congressman Heinrich for his hard work. It is hard to reach consensus on these issues, and he has achieved that with this legislation.

With that, I yield such time as he may consume to Congressman Heinrich of New Mexico, this bill's sponsor.

We do not. I yield back the balance of my time.