Recognizing James A. Swanson

RECOGNIZING JAMES A. SWANSON -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 04, 2004)

SPEECH OF HON. MIKE THOMPSON OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2004

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend James A. Swanson, Supervising Biologist for the Central Coast region of Department of Fish and Game, who is being honored on the occasion of his retirement after over 30 years.

A native of California, Jim Swanson grew up in Pasadena and received his Bachelors Degree in Wildlife Management from Humboldt State University. He began his outstanding career in the Department of Fish and Game as a Fish and Wildlife seasonal aide in California in 1969.

In 1975, Jim became a Junior Wildlife Manager-Biologist in the Central Coast Region. From 1977-78 he was the Project Manager coordinating the San Francisco Bay Study. He then returned to work as an Assistant Wildlife Manager-Biologist and went on to work as an Associate Wildlife Biologist. In 2001, he assumed the duties of Supervising Biologist for the Central Coast Region.

As Supervising Biologist for the Central Coast Region he served many counties including: Alameda, Contra Costa, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Monterey, Napa, San Benito, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma, and part of Solano. He helped to acquire over 14,000 acres for the Napa-Sonoma Marshes State Wildlife Area and was instrumental in the restoration of that habitat.

Mr. Swanson and his wife, Kathey, have two daughters, Renee and Jamie as well as three grandchildren. Jim is an avid fisherman and bird watcher.

Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize James A. Swanson for his contributions to the preservation of the natural resources of our nation. He will be missed and we extend our best wishes to him in his retirement.

END