[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 151 (Tuesday, September 26, 1995)] [Senate] [Pages S14307-S14308] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] D.C. BOOTH HISTORIC FISH HATCHERY Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, I rise today in honor of the rededication of the D.C. Booth Historic Fish Hatchery in Spearfish after extensive renovations. These developments represent exciting opportunities for learning and historic preservation. It was Senator Pettigrew, one of South Dakota's earliest and most prominent Senators, who first appropriated funding for the hatchery in the 1890's. Originally called the Spearfish National Fish Hatchery, it was later renamed in honor of the original superintendent, D.C. Booth. The facility is now almost 100 years old and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is one of the oldest fisheries west of the Mississippi River and now plays a significant role in western South Dakota's tourism industry, bringing in over 200,000 visitors each year. I worked closely with my colleagues on South Dakota's congressional delegation to authorize the renovation of the D.C. Booth Fish Hatchery. In 1991, Congress recognized the historic importance of this fish hatchery. Funding was subsequently provided to renovate the existing facilities. In addition, an [[Page S 14308]] underwater fish viewing area and a new historical fishery records and archive center were constructed. The archive center, which collects and preserves the national public historical fishery records and artifacts, is the only one of its kind in the country. Over the years, the hatchery has also made strides towards improving fish population and diversity in western South Dakota. Interestingly enough, the trout which are raised at the D.C. Booth Fish Hatchery are not native to the Black Hills area. This hatchery originally was responsible for stocking not only the Black Hills, but also Yellowstone National Park. One particularly interesting feature which will soon be available to tour is an old Federal Fishcar Service railroad car. At one time, trout eggs were transported to and from Spearfish in refrigerated rail cars. With the advent of faster transportation, this method has long since been abandoned. When the exhibit is finished, visitors will be able to walk through a renovated rail car, complete with original dishes and trout egg storage trays. On Sunday, September 24, 1995, a ceremony was held in Spearfish, SD, to rededicate the renovated D.C. Booth Historic Fish Hatchery. This ceremony would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of Mr. Arden Trandahl, director of the site for the Fish and Wildlife Service. During his tenure in Spearfish, he has been thoroughly committed to preserving the historic significance of the hatchery. Thanks to the devotion of Arden Trandahl and the Fish and Wildlife Service, the State of South Dakota, and the community of Spearfish, this renovation project is now a reality. I would also like to thank Molly Salcone and the other members of the D.C. Booth Society. As president of this non-profit society, she has fostered a unique private-public partnership which provided valuable assistance in the restoration of the D.C. Booth Fish Hatchery. This project is a great example of how we can all work together to make things happen. The renovated D.C. Booth Historic Fish Hatchery provides a unique educational experience, combining past and present fish management. I extend my congratulations and best wishes for the future success of the facility. ____________________