September 9, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 155 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Pages S5509-S5510]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO ALLEN NICHOLAS

 Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Allen Nicholas who is retiring as forest supervisor for

[[Page S5510]]

the National Forests in North Carolina. Mr. Nicholas has served for 
over 30 years and has been a living embodiment of the National Forest 
Service's motto, ``Caring for the Land and Serving People.''
  Mr. Nicholas was born in Magnolia, MS, and graduated from Mississippi 
State University with a bachelor's degree in forest resource management 
and then with a master's degree in business administration. He began 
his career as a silvicultural technician in the Daniel Boone National 
Forest and went on to serve in numerous natural resource and leadership 
positions throughout the southern and eastern United States.
  When he arrived to his first forest supervisor position on the 
Shawnee National Forest, equestrian use across the forest was rampant. 
Mr. Nicholas led a multiyear effort to reduce the impact of trail use 
on natural resources while also supporting an equestrian-based tourism 
economy.
  As forest supervisor, Mr. Nicholas oversaw North Carolina's four 
National Forests. The Croatan, the Nantahala, the Pisgah, and the 
Uwharrie National Forests contain more than 1.25 million acres of land 
that stretches from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic Coast. 
All together, the forests welcome more than 7 million visitors each 
year. Mr. Nicholas led a team to reduce the number of accidental 
visitor deaths in National Forests in the southern region. Under his 
leadership, the team recommended a set of actions that are now being 
implemented to track data, improve communication to visitors, and 
provide more official presence through volunteers and partners. Mr. 
Nicholas demonstrates an impressive talent for balancing the safety of 
visitors with responsible stewardship of our Nation's natural 
resources.
  All who interact with Allen Nicholas--and countless more past, 
present, and future visitors--benefit greatly from his service. His 
commitment to the betterment of others is reflected in his lasting 
relationships with Forest Service employees and the public. His words 
inspire and empower, and he leads by example with his actions. Quite 
simply, he is a natural mentor to others and a wonderful example of a 
public servant.
  Please join me in congratulating Allen Nicholas, his wife Debra, 
daughters and sons-in-law, Anna Lisa and Taylor Roberts, and Kelsey and 
Garrett Dismukes, and his grandchildren Gracie and Charlie on his 
distinguished public service career and retirement. I wish him and his 
family the best in his future endeavors.

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