Recognition of Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen
Ten Towns Great Swamp Watershed Management Committee
Tenth Anniversary Celebration – June 24, 2005
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| As development of the Visitors Center proceeds, this tree will be more of a focal point in the site layout. |
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Rodney Frelinghuysen is serving his 6th term as Representative for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District and currently serves as New Jersey’s senior member of the House Appropriations Committee.
He has served the people of New Jersey in many ways, and the people in this gathering are familiar with his longstanding commitment to environmental protection. He was a pioneer in the fight to preserve New Jersey’s Highlands, he has secured millions of dollars in federal funds to expand the Morristown National Historic Park and the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, to clean up toxic waste, to provide better flood protection. Nearly half a million dollars has been directed toward the efforts of the Ten Towns Committee.
He has a strong commitment to education and the advancement of science. He sees, as we do, the strong links between good data, good science, and good land use policies.
He is close to his constituency, visiting schools and town meetings and responding to letters and emails.
Congressman Frelinghuysen, in recognition of your longstanding service to the State of New Jersey and especially for your steadfast support of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and the Ten Towns Committee, we are not giving you a plaque. Instead, we have planted a red maple tree as an enduring symbol of your dedication in helping us to achieve our goals.
Like you, Congressman, the red maple loves wetlands. It will thrive in the rich, moist soil of the Great Swamp and will very likely endure for at least six terms.
Like you, the red maple might seem ordinary in many contexts, but then its vibrant colors stand out from all the others.
Like you, the red maple has a history of supplying the raw materials for some of our finest crafts.
On behalf of the executive committee, our member towns, and their representatives to the Ten Towns Committee, I take great pleasure in dedicating this tree to your stewardship.
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