House Approves DeFazio Bill Naming Jim Weaver Trail | Print |

WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) hailed passage today of his bill, H.R. 274, legislation to designate a trail in the Willamette National Forest as the "Jim Weaver Loop Trail." The bill passed today by a vote of 291 to 117 as part of S.2739, the Consolidated Natural Resources Act. The trail, in Lane County, Oregon, was named after former Oregon Congressman Jim Weaver, who represented the fourth congressional district of Oregon for 12 years. The path goes around the world-renowned Waldo Lake, ranked one of the purest bodies of water on Earth and one of Oregon's largest natural lakes. The legislation would also designate this 22-mile trail as a national recreational trail under the National Trails System Act.

—Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) hailed passage today of his bill, H.R. 274, legislation to designate a trail in the Willamette National Forest as the "Jim Weaver Loop Trail." The bill passed today by a vote of 291 to 117 as part of S.2739, the Consolidated Natural Resources Act. The trail, in Lane County, Oregon, was named after former Oregon Congressman Jim Weaver, who represented the fourth congressional district of Oregon for 12 years. The path goes around the world-renowned Waldo Lake, ranked one of the purest bodies of water on Earth and one of Oregon's largest natural lakes. The legislation would also designate this 22-mile trail as a national recreational trail under the National Trails System Act.

"Naming this trail for Congressman Jim Weaver is a fitting tribute to his legacy as an advocate for outdoor recreation and as a protector of some of Oregon's most treasured natural features," DeFazio said. "During his time in Congress, one of Jim's top priorities was natural resource conservation, including a strong commitment to protecting Waldo Lake and the surrounding area. Generations of Oregonians will benefit from Jim's efforts to keep Waldo Lake pristine and pure."

"Congressman Weaver was my predecessor in Congress, my boss and, most importantly, he is my friend," DeFazio continued. "I am pleased Congress is recognizing his extraordinary efforts to protect Oregon's natural resources and wilderness, and to forever associate his name with an area he loves and has worked hard to protect."

The bill is cosponsored by all five members of Oregon's congressional delegation, and is supported by the U.S. Forest Service and a number of local interest groups. In addition to naming the trail, DeFazio's legislation includes the installation and maintenance of a sign at the trailhead to provide information about the life and work of Congressman Weaver. The bill now goes to the President for his signature.