HONORING DOUG McCONNELL

On 2026-09-24, Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA-4) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING DOUG McCONNELL" in the House.

HONORING DOUG McCONNELL

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E972] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING DOUG McCONNELL ______ HON. MIKE THOMPSON of california in the house of representatives Thursday, September 24, 2026 Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Doug McConnell for his advocacy for parks, open space, and environmental causes. Jack London Park Partners is honoring Doug McConnell's legacy at their annual Gala, which raises funds to provide education, preservation, conservation, recreation, and community access. Doug McConnell devoted his career to inspiring appreciation for the natural, cultural, and historic resources of California and the American West. Through award-winning television programs, he introduced millions of viewers to parks, trails, public lands, small communities, and environmental stewardship efforts. Doug was a television journalist, producer, and host specializing in environmental and community storytelling. He served as the host and senior editor of the local program Bay Area Backroads on KRON-TV, one of the longest running regional television programs in the United States. He was also the creator, producer, and host of OpenRoad with Doug McConnell. In addition to his work on television programs, Doug was the co-founder and Managing Partner of Convergence Media Productions, a San Francisco Baykeeper Advisory Board member, an Alaska Conservation Foundation board member and a founder of the Alaska Public Forum. Doug McConnell's work fostered public awareness, conservation advocacy, outdoor recreation, and civic engagement throughout Northern California and beyond. His contributions to environmental education and public service were recognized through numerous honors, including multiple Emmy Awards, the Harold Gilliam Award for environmental reporting, designation as an Honorary Ranger by California State Parks and the National Park Service, volunteer of the Year by the San Francisco Bay Trail Project, and Humanitarian of the Year by the Marin Humane Society. Mr. Speaker, we thank Doug McConnell for his legacy of exceptional service to our local parks, environment, and community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today. ____________________