Harold E. Ford Jr.

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained and was unable to cast votes. Had I

been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall 401.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Keith Kirkland, the recipient of the 2006 International Paper Conservation Partnership Award.

This award is presented annually to an individual who has achieved significant results in the protection of habitat through a cooperative relationship with a business or company, and Mr. Kirkland, who serves as the Executive Director of The Wolf River Conservancy, is more than deserving.

For more than 20 years, first as a volunteer, and then as an employee of the Conservancy, Mr. Kirkland has championed conservation and has dedicated himself to protecting and enhancing the lands and waters along Tennessee's Wolf River.

Since 2003, when he was appointed Executive Director of the Conservancy, Mr. Kirkland has raised $12.5 million to support the U.S. Corps of Engineers' Wolf River Restoration Project. This successful project has resulted in ensuring the protection of 17,000 acres and forest and wetlands within the Wolf River flood plain.

Furthermore, Mr. Kirkland has also helped to establish the Ghost River State Natural Area, whose protected landscapes serve as a recharge area for the region's aquifer. The establishment of this Natural Area has safeguarded drinking water for one of Tennessee's fastest-growing areas and habitat for threatened and endangered species.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in congratulating Mr. Kirkland and thanking him for his efforts to protect the forests and rivers of Tennessee. I thank International Paper as well, for recognizing Mr. Kirkland with their award.

Mr. Speaker, on yesterday, June 7, 2006, I was unavoidably detained and was unable to cast votes. On rollcall No. 227, I would have voted ``yes''; on rollcall No. 228, I would have voted ``no''; on rollcall No. 229, I would have voted ``yes''; on rollcall No. 230, I would have voted ``yes''; on rollcall No. 231, I would have voted ``yes''; on rollcall No. 232, I would have voted ``yes''; on rollcall No. 233, I would have voted ``yes''; on rollcall No. 234, I would have voted ``yes.''