Increased Access To Public
Lands
July 26, 2005 marked the 15th anniversary of the signing of the
Americans with Disabilities Act, which provided broad, non-discrimination
protection in employment, public services, transportation, telecommunications,
and other services. On that day, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04)
joined the Minnesota-based Wilderness Inquiry along with federal
land management agencies in the signing of an agreement to help increase
access for people with disabilities to public lands. Congressman
Martin Olav Sabo (D-MN) was also on hand to witness the signing of
the agreement.
A “Memorandum of Understanding” was
signed by multiple federal agencies including the National Park
Service, USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau
of Reclamation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, and the Wilderness Inquiry, an organization
dedicated to increasing disability access to public lands. The
Memorandum commits each agency to increase opportunities for people
of all abilities to use the programs, facilities and activities
of public lands and waterways. The original understanding was signed
in 1997.
“This important agreement has benefited thousands of people,” Congressman
Sabo said. “I am pleased that these federal agencies have committed
to working with the Wilderness Inquiry to give everyone an opportunity
to enjoy the outdoors.”
McCollum shared these
thoughts: “Since 1978, Wilderness Inquiry
has made America’s natural places and public lands a tangible
experience for more than 200,000 people of diverse backgrounds, ages,
and abilities.
Wilderness Inquiry has been a pioneer in creating access to the
outdoors not only in technical ways—by expanding their programs
and by adapting conventional outdoor equipment—but just
as importantly by opening minds. They have challenged our expectations
and expanded our thinking about what is possible in the outdoors.
And they have done all this while still respecting the fragile
ecosystems they are there to enjoy. I also want to commend the
USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation,
National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Through your continued cooperation with Wilderness Inquiry, you
are fulfilling the promise of our public lands—that these
are shared resources for the enjoyment, recreation, and education
of each and every American.
It is important to note that Congressman Sabo and I are not the
first Members of Congress to take notice of this important task.
My predecessor, Congressman Bruce Vento, also admired the work
of Wilderness Inquiry and helped facilitate the first signing of
the Memorandum of Understanding in 1997. He recognized that this
Memorandum would be an important tool to the mission of increasing
opportunities for all people to use and enjoy the programs, facilities,
and activities of public lands.
I commend you all for being here today and for your continued support
for access to the outdoors. Our public lands, the state of Minnesota
and our Nation are better places because of your important work.”
For more information contact Dany Khy at 202-225-6631 D.C. office
or through McCollum’s website at www.mccollum.house.gov.
At the Office of Congressman Martin Sabo, contact Jenifer Rogness
McCormick, Communications Director, 202-225-4755, jenifer.mccormick@mail.house.gov.
