[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2447]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

RESIGNATION OF NATIONAL FOREST SUPERVISOR GLORIA FLORA

______

HON. GEORGE MILLER

of california

in the house of representatives

Wednesday, November 17, 1999

Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, Gloria Flora, forest
Supervisor of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Nevada resigned
last week, citing relentless ``fed-bashing.'' Since becoming Supervisor
of the largest national forest in the lower 48 just over a year ago,
Ms. Flora has become embroiled in disputes over grazing, endangered
species protection, and road closures. One of these disputes recently
culminated in Elko County residents, including public officials,
illegally rebuilding a forest road without federal permits, an act
which in turn triggered a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service emergency
listing of the bull trout. At the forefront of these disputes are
extremists whose radical anti-government stance has translated into
several instances of intimidation and harassment of federal land
managers and acts of violence against public servants and property.
It is deeply distressing that public servants who are administering
and enforcing the law are subjected to such hostile circumstances that
they are forced to leave their jobs and homes. We should keep in mind
that federal land managers like Ms. Flora are charged with enforcing
laws passed by the Congress and entrusted with public lands and natural
resources that belong to all the people of this country.
For twenty years, the wise use movement in its various forms--the
Sagebrush rebellion, states' rights, county supremacy--has fomented
hostility and hatred toward officials enforcing the laws of Congress.
Rather than perpetuate the disregard and disdain for the government and
its laws, I urge my colleagues to use their good offices to create a
climate of decency and cooperation.
Mr. Speaker, while I deeply regret that Ms. Flora has chosen to
resign, I sincerely hope that we take this opportunity to express our
support for her and for the many Forest Service employees who share her
concerns. I submit Ms. Flora's letter to her fellow employees.

Open Letter to Employees of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

November 8, 1999

There is no easy way to say good-bye to a group of hard-
working, dedicated employees and friends. But the time has
come when I must do just that. The best part of working on
this Forest is watching each of you perform your work so
well. The results speak for themselves in the outstanding
land stewardship and exemplary business practices found on
this Forest.
I have become increasingly troubled by the difficult
conditions that so many of us face in the state of Nevada. We
now accept as commonplace unwarranted criticisms of and
verbal attacks on federal employees. Officials at all levels
of government in Nevada participate in this irresponsible
fed-bashing. The public is largely silent, watching as if
this were a spectator sport. This level of anti-federal
fervor is simply not acceptable.
It is not like this in other places! As you know, I've
worked throughout the Intermountain West: Montana, Idaho,
Utah and Wyoming. Yes, there are arguments and strong
disagreements over land use policy, but they usually stay
within the bounds of reason. As tensions escalate, others
weigh in with their opinions and the media does in-depth
investigative reporting. There is a sense of balance.
Outlandish words and acts, regardless of the origin, are
repudiated openly by reasonable community members.
Constructive collaboration and discourse are recognized as
the methods to resolve complex natural resource issues. Yes,
things may get heated but all people have a voice.
The attitude towards federal employees and federal laws in
Nevada is pitiful. People in rural communities who do respect
the law and accept responsibility for complying with it are
often rebuked or ridiculed. They are compared to
collaborators with the Vichy government in Nazi-controlled
France! People who support the federal government or
conservation of natural resources ask that they not be
identified for fear of retaliation. When I speak against the
diatribes and half-truths of the Sagebrush Rebellion, I am
labeled a liar and personally vilified in an attempt to
silence me. When I express concerns for Forest Service
employees' safety, I am accused of inciting violence.
This is the United States of America. All people have a
right to speak and all people have a right to protection from
discrimination. However, I learned that in Nevada, as a
federal employee, you have no right to speak, no right to do
your job and certainly no right to be treated with respect. I
could go on and on with examples of those of you who have
been castigated in public, shunned in your communities,
refused service in restaurants, kicked out of motels . . .
just because of who you work for. And we cannot forget those
who have been harassed, called before kangaroo courts, or had
their very lives threatened.
It disturbs me to think that two million people in this
state watch silently, or worse, in amusement, as a small
percent of their number break laws and trounce the rights of
others with impunity. Worse yet, there are elected officials
who actively support these offenders. Those whose
responsibility it is to help us enforce the laws passed by
Congress and do our mandated jobs, always seem to have a
reason why action must be postponed.
The Jarbidge situation is just another example of how
certain elements would rather fight and excoriate the federal
government than work towards a solution. These people need an
``evil empire'' to attack. When a member of the United States
Congress joins forces with them, using the power of the
office to stage a public inquisition of federal employees
followed by a political fundraiser, I must protest. This
member and others continue to do this, and we, as an agency,
believe that it is best to keep turning the other cheek.
Enough is enough. I am not promoting conflict; I'm simply
advocating that our agency demands fairness and common
decency. It's time to speak up.
But speaking up and continuing to work here are not
compatible. By speaking out, I cannot provide you, my
employees, with a safe working environment. And to date, I
have not been able to convince others that the current
atmosphere is unacceptable and requires a proactive response.
I refuse to continue to participate in this charade of
normalcy.
Equally troubling is our limited ability to perform the
mission of the Forest Service under these conditions. As
stewards for public lands, entrusted with protecting and
restoring natural resources for present and future
generations, we must be able to perform those functions in a
collaborative and cooperative manner. The health of the land
is paramount.
I am choosing to leave for my principles, for my personal
well-being, and so I can actualize my commitment to natural
resource management in a setting where respect and civil
discourse is the norm. I have no definite plans and I am not
seeking special treatment from the agency. I will stay at
least until the end of the year to help ensure a smoother
transition to new leadership.
I leave you with my fondest wishes for continuing your
excellent work and gaining the fulfillment and respect that
you all deserve. As I told you when I first arrived, simply
demonstrate honesty, integrity and ethical behavior and you
will succeed. Thank you for the tremendous support you have
given me, I couldn't have asked for more from you.
Sincerely,

Gloria E. Flora,

Forest Supervisor.

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