The U.S. House of Representatives Honor Mary Barley. By Geniusofdespair

HONORING MS. MARY BARLEY:
Monday, March 25, 2013

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of Women's History Month I rise today to honor Ms. Mary Barley, an outstanding individual and someone who has continuously supported South Florida and the
Everglades.

Ms. Barley relocated to Florida in 1971 from Wisconsin. Shortly after arriving in our state she became an advocate for the Everglades and Florida Bay. Along with her husband George, who passed away in 1996, Ms. Barley spearheaded campaigns to build awareness around the Everglades and headed initiatives aimed at amending Florida's constitution to include the protection of it.

Ms. Barley has served as Chairperson and/or Vice Chairman of the Everglades Foundation since her husband's untimely death in 1995, and currently sits on its Board. She also holds the position of President of the Everglades Trust, and serves on the National Parks Conservation Association's Board of Trustees. She is a Board member of the World Wildlife Fund Marine Leadership Committee, and its National Council; the National Coalition for Marine Conservation; the Atlantic Salmon Federation; and the Sierra Club Foundation.

With her instrumental support Florida passed the Restoring the Everglades, An American Legacy Act, a bill which authorized $8 billion towards the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. Ms. Barley, has consistently been recognized for her achievements and has received awards such as Audubon of Florida's "Lifetime Achievement Award," as well as its "Champion of the Everglades Award." Other awards include the Everglades Coalition's "Steward of the Everglades" award, and she was named a 1999 "Hero for the Planet" by Time Magazine.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Ms. Mary Barley for her continued service to South Florida and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable individual.