First, I’d like to give a special welcome to Michael Pasteris, the executive director of the Forest Preserve District of Will County, Illinois. For those of you not from Illinois, Will County is the fastest growing county in the state. So, I’m very interested in hearing from Mr. Pasteris as to how a developing county balances the competing demands of economic growth and protection of the environment. Mr. Pasteris, I also want to thank you for your service to the National Association of Counties. It’s a great organization, and I always value the input I get from its members.

As we move towards improving the Endangered Species Act, it’s important to keep in mind that we don’t have all the answers here in Washington. Our local partners are our eyes and ears in the affected community. They can provide insight into the human piece of the puzzle. Over time we have learned that if people perceive their interests are being compromised in order to protect a particular species, it is a much harder and longer process.

That’s when our local partners can really make a difference. Often they know who the community leaders are, both elected and non-elected, and they have a finger on the pulse of the community. As Mr. Pasteris says in his written testimony, collaboration with affected public and private stakeholders can go a long way towards developing conservation plans that protect endangered species without causing financial detriment to localities.

I apologize that I will not be able to stay long at this hearing, but I look forward to reading the transcript and written testimony. I also want to express my thanks to Chairman Chafee and Senator Clinton for their leadership on this issue here in the Senate.