The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“HONORING PETER L. GOVE” mentioning the Department of Interior was published in the in the Extensions of Remarks section section on pages E505-E506 on May 31.
The Department oversees more than 500 million acres of land. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the department has contributed to a growing water crisis and holds many lands which could be better managed.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING PETER L. GOVE
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HON. BETTY McCOLLUM
of minnesota
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Peter L. Gove. Peter will be recognized later this week by his colleagues, friends and family for more than 50 years of exceptional leadership to conserve Minnesota's environment, especially its rivers and national parks.
Thanks in no small part to Peter's efforts, Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District has two incredible national parks to enjoy in our front and back yards--the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA) and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Peter gets results the old-
fashioned way--by earning them--through tireless advocacy, vision and forging lasting relationships. When he sees a need for action, he doesn't just talk about it, he rolls up his sleeves and does something to protect cherished natural places for everyone.
Peter's success at advocacy draws on his experience as former Chief of the National Park Service Office of Legislation in the Carter/
Mondale Administration and lead environmental staffer and later Commissioner for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency under former Governor Wendell Anderson. He worked closely with the late Congressman Vento and late Senator Durenberger to secure passage of legislation designating MNRRA as a national park in Congress in 1988. He was appointed the first chairman of the Mississippi River Commission by the Secretary of the Interior to develop a comprehensive plan for MNRRA and founded Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR in 1993 and remains on its board.
Later, he worked with former Vice President Walter Mondale to expand the St. Croix River Association. He is an outspoken supporter of protecting Mid west national parks from ever present development pressures, particularly when they threaten the water resources and scenic beauty of our national parks.
After his effective service in the public sector, Peter had an equally distinguished career as an executive for two Minnesota tech companies, St. Jude Medical, Inc. and Control Data Corporation, before retiring in 2005. Throughout his various roles, he remains engaged in the community and in protecting our special natural places.
Peter served as past chair of the St. Croix River Association Board, Trust for Public Land Minnesota Advisory Board, and the National Park Conservation Association Upper Midwest Regional Council. He is also a Trustee of Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin and chair of the Episcopal Homes of Minnesota Board.
His ongoing work for protection of resources and increased federal funding for parks, has earned him numerous and well-deserved honors, including NPCA's Marjory Stoneman Douglas Award, Wild Rivers Conservancy's Nelson-Mondale Legacy Award, and the Department of the Interior Public Service award in 1995 from then-Secretary of Interior Babbitt.
It has been a privilege to call Peter a trusted ally, advisor, and friend throughout my service in Congress. I have always found him to be a knowledgeable and passionate advocate for the issues he cares about, and I look forward to joining Peter and family later this week at an event to honor his decades of extraordinary public service.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in this well-deserved tribute to Peter. I wish him, his wife Mary, and his children and grandchildren all the best.
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