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.
“TRIBUTE TO JOHN SCHMIDT” mentioning the Department of Interior was published in the Senate section on pages S4502 on June 25, 2019.
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:
TRIBUTE TO JOHN SCHMIDT
Mrs. CAPITO. Madam President, I wish to recognize a dedicated public servant and proud West Virginian, John Schmidt, on the occasion of his retirement from the West Virginia Ecological Services Field Office, WVFO, of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, located in Elkins. I would especially like to recognize his leadership and contributions to fish and wildlife conservation. Innumerable West Virginians have benefited from his tireless efforts to improve wildlife conditions in our great State. John has been a vocal champion for creating a conservation legacy through collaboration and strong working partnerships with local stakeholders.
John has been working as a biologist for 32 years. For 25 of those, he has served the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, working with landowners and State and Federal agencies. Currently, he helps nongovernmental organizations as a project leader to help restore, enhance, and protect fish and wildlife throughout our state.
Due to his leadership, contributions, and dedication to his community, John is being awarded the Superior Service Award by the U.S. Department of Interior. John has highlighted the need for providing restoring wildlife and recreational safety for West Virginians.
Beyond the critical assistance that the WVFO provides to the wildlife in West Virginia, it also has a positive effect on the economy. John and his staff volunteered numerous hours on a project to remove three legacy dams, leading to savings of nearly $60,000 per year for the municipal water system and its ratepayers. This work helped connect over 47 miles of formerly segmented river and drastically improved the water quality in the West Fork River.
Outside of his work for the WVFO, John has played an active role in giving back to his community. Some of his volunteer work has included time spent helping community leadership and conservation organizations such as the Tygart Valley Lions Club, Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, and the Virginia Tech Monogram Club. He has also served as a swim coach and official for 30 years at all primary school levels. John has shown that he is dedicated to help all West Virginians in numerous efforts.
I would like to thank John for all his insight and advice over the years. My office has relied upon him countless times for guidance and input. On a personal level, he was kind and helpful not only to me, but to my staff as well. They often spoke highly of how attentive, patient, and kind he was to everyone with whom he worked. I wish John the very best during his well-deserved retirement, and I hope he can enjoy more time with loved ones. West Virginia owes John our gratitude, and I thank him for all his excellent work over his decades-long career.
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