Statement of Senator Russ Feingold at the Dedication of the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore August 8, 2005 I am deeply honored to participate in today's ceremony marking the creation of the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Like all of us, I am saddened that Gaylord isn't sitting among us today. I do, however, believe that because this area, our magnificent Apostles, and the wilderness designation we celebrate today, were such a part of Gaylord that he is in fact here with us, urging us to mark today's achievement and to continue his life's work of building a conservation ethic. It's a privilege to be joined by a number of honored guests, particularly Tia Nelson, Governor Doyle, Congressman Obey, local officials, tribal chairs, and numerous other people who have worked so hard to get us to today, where we officially dedicate roughly 80% of our Apostle Islands National Lakeshore as the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness. Today marks the beginning of a new period for the Apostle Islands and I could not be more proud. In 1998, we asked for a wilderness survey. Today, seven years later, we gather to salute this awe-inspiring resource as well as the man who dedicated himself to protecting our environment, particularly those places where we humans are but humble visitors -- wilderness areas. The wild and primitive nature of the Apostle Islands and now the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness, has always been an attraction, not only for Wisconsin residents but for people from across the globe. Here, you can find pristine old growth forests; wetlands that are home to an astounding ecological diversity; birds that travel long distances and use the islands for respite; and amphibians, which can act as indicators of the Park's environmental health. It is a truly amazing place. And people know it. In fact, just recently, the Apostles was rated the #1 National Park in the U.S. by National Geographic Traveler. The rating was based on a variety of factors, most notably environmental and ecological quality, social and cultural integrity, and the outlook for the future. We have it all in this Park -- ecological and cultural resources intertwined with one another. The history of the islands is a history of people living off, and very much in balance with, the land and water surrounding them. A visit to the Apostles and the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness can be, if we let go of the trappings of modern society, an enlightening voyage that challenges us to think about those who came before us, those who will follow us, and the connections between us and the natural resources we depend on for our survival. The Ojibwae, who we all know were the original inhabitants of the Apostles, had great respect for these resources. They believed in taking something only if they were giving something in return. The Ojibwae people understood their dependence on the environment long before many others began contemplating such a relationship. Unfortunately, as a society, we have not always heeded their example. We must be better stewards of our land, our air, and our water. Gaylord pushed us toward that goal every day of his life and today, at the dedication of the Wilderness Area named in his honor, each of us must dedicate ourselves to actively carrying his legacy forward. So many people supported the creation of the Lakeshore and the Wilderness area. This support has taken many forms -- all of which have added to the success of our Park and the wilderness designation. I am especially grateful for the families who have donated their properties, many of which are filled with childhood and other cherished family memories, for the betterment of the whole Apostle Islands and now the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness. Future generations that none of us will ever know will benefit deeply from your commitment to one of Wisconsin's most treasured places. Every time I visit the Apostles and pieces of what are now the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness, I depart with a sense of inner peace and clarity. A New York Times journalist wrote about the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in 1972, saying he encountered a "silence so intense you can hear it." I believe that what all those who visit the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness from this day forward are bound to hear through that 'intense silence' is Gaylord himself calling them to action.

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