[House Hearing, 105 Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
HEARING ON H.R. 2760, DISABLED SPORTSMEN'S ACCESS ACT
=======================================================================
HEARING
before the
SUBCOMMITTEE ON FISHERIES CONSERVATION, WILDLIFE AND OCEANS
of the
COMMITTEE ON RESOURCES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
ONE HUNDRED FIFTH CONGRESS
SECOND SESSION
MAY 14, 1998, WASHINGTON, DC
__________
Serial No. 105-84
__________
Printed for the use of the Committee on Resources
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U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
48-953 cc WASHINGTON : 1998
COMMITTEE ON RESOURCES
DON YOUNG, Alaska, Chairman
W.J. (BILLY) TAUZIN, Louisiana GEORGE MILLER, California
JAMES V. HANSEN, Utah EDWARD J. MARKEY, Massachusetts
JIM SAXTON, New Jersey NICK J. RAHALL II, West Virginia
ELTON GALLEGLY, California BRUCE F. VENTO, Minnesota
JOHN J. DUNCAN, Jr., Tennessee DALE E. KILDEE, Michigan
JOEL HEFLEY, Colorado PETER A. DeFAZIO, Oregon
JOHN T. DOOLITTLE, California ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA, American
WAYNE T. GILCHREST, Maryland Samoa
KEN CALVERT, California NEIL ABERCROMBIE, Hawaii
RICHARD W. POMBO, California SOLOMON P. ORTIZ, Texas
BARBARA CUBIN, Wyoming OWEN B. PICKETT, Virginia
HELEN CHENOWETH, Idaho FRANK PALLONE, Jr., New Jersey
LINDA SMITH, Washington CALVIN M. DOOLEY, California
GEORGE P. RADANOVICH, California CARLOS A. ROMERO-BARCELO, Puerto
WALTER B. JONES, Jr., North Rico
Carolina MAURICE D. HINCHEY, New York
WILLIAM M. (MAC) THORNBERRY, Texas ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD, Guam
JOHN SHADEGG, Arizona SAM FARR, California
JOHN E. ENSIGN, Nevada PATRICK J. KENNEDY, Rhode Island
ROBERT F. SMITH, Oregon ADAM SMITH, Washington
CHRIS CANNON, Utah WILLIAM D. DELAHUNT, Massachusetts
KEVIN BRADY, Texas CHRIS JOHN, Louisiana
JOHN PETERSON, Pennsylvania DONNA CHRISTIAN-GREEN, Virgin
RICK HILL, Montana Islands
BOB SCHAFFER, Colorado RON KIND, Wisconsin
JIM GIBBONS, Nevada LLOYD DOGGETT, Texas
MICHAEL D. CRAPO, Idaho
Lloyd A. Jones, Chief of Staff
Elizabeth Megginson, Chief Counsel
Christine Kennedy, Chief Clerk/Administrator
John Lawrence, Democratic Staff Director
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Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans
JIM SAXTON, New Jersey, Chairman
W.J. (BILLY) TAUZIN, Louisiana FRANK PALLONE, Jr., New Jersey
WAYNE T. GILCHREST, Maryland NEIL ABERCROMBIE, Hawaii
WALTER B. JONES, Jr., North SOLOMON P. ORTIZ, Texas
Carolina SAM FARR, California
JOHN PETERSON, Pennsylvania PATRICK J. KENNEDY, Rhode Island
MICHAEL D. CRAPO, Idaho
Harry Burroughs, Staff Director
John Rayfield, Legislative Staff
Christopher Mann, Legislative Staff
C O N T E N T S
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Page
Hearing held May 14, 1998........................................ 1
Statement of Members:
Chambliss, Hon. Saxby, a Representative in Congress from the
State of Georgia........................................... 5
Prepared statement of.................................... 6
Cunningham, Hon. Randy ``Duke'', a Representative in Congress
from the State of California............................... 3
Prepared statement of.................................... 3
Pallone, Hon. Frank, Jr., a Representative in Congress from
the State of New Jersey, prepared statement of............. 2
Peterson, Hon. Collin, a Representative in Congress from the
State of Minnesota......................................... 4
Prepared statement of.................................... 5
Saxton, Hon. Jim, a Representative in Congress from the State
of New Jersey, prepared statement of....................... 1
Young, Hon. Don, a Representative in Congress from the State
of Alaska, prepared statement of........................... 2
Statement of Witnesses:
Fasciana, Jack, Safari Club International.................... 14
Prepared statement of.................................... 23
Deal, Lieutenant Colonel A. Lewis, Executive Officer, Weapons
Training Battalion, Quantico Marine Corps Base............. 8
Prepared statement of.................................... 19
Gerlach, H. Larry, Lieutenant Colonel, USMC, Retired......... 10
Prepared statement of.................................... 20
Goodman, Sherri W., Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for
Environmental Security, Department of Defense.............. 7
Prepared statement of.................................... 17
Thomas, Harley, Lieutenant Colonel, USMC, Retired............ 11
Prepared statement of.................................... 21
Thomas, Kirk, President, Wheelin' Sportsmen of America, Inc.. 13
Prepared statement of.................................... 25
Additional material supplied:
National Rifle Association of America, prepared statement of. 23
HEARING ON H.R. 2760, DISABLED SPORTSMEN'S ACCESS ACT
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THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1998
House of Representatives, Subcommittee on Fisheries
Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans, Committee on
Resources, Washington, DC.
The Subcommittee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:04 a.m., in
room 1324 Longworth House Office Building, Hon. Jim Saxton
(chairman of the Subcommittee) presiding.
Mr. Saxton. Let me make an announcement, if I may. We've
just been called for a vote and I have to leave here at 11 a.m.
Mr. Cunningham, do you want to try to get your statement in
before we go to vote?
Mr. Cunningham. Yes.
Mr. Saxton. OK. And let me ask unanimous consent that Mr.
Pallone's statement and my statement be entered into the
record.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Saxton follows:]
Statement of Hon. Jim Saxton, a Representative in Congress from the
State of New Jersey
Good morning. The purpose of today's hearing is to discuss
H.R. 2760, the Disabled Sportsmen's Access Act.
By way of background, the Department of Defense (DOD)
controls nearly 30 million acres of valuable fish and wildlife
habitat at approximately 900 military installations nationwide.
Enacted by Congress in 1960, the Sikes Act provides a mechanism
for cooperative wildlife management on these military
installations.
Most military installations offer numerous outdoor
recreational programs that provide excellent opportunities for
both military and civilian sportsmen. However, there is no
system-wide policy for making these lands available and
accessible to disabled veterans or civilians with disabilities.
Today, the Quantico Marine Base, which is about 30 miles
west of Washington, DC, has a ``fully integrated program for
disabled veterans from the first day of bow season to the last
day of gun season.'' Quantico is a model for other military
installations throughout the United States.
H.R. 2760, an amendment to the Sikes Act, would encourage
the Department of Defense to provide improved access for
disabled individuals, where appropriate and within the military
mission. Furthermore, H.R. 2760 allows the Department to accept
donations of private money, material and volunteers for the
construction of facilities accessible to sportsmen with
disabilities.
The goal of this proposal is to increase access to military
installations for hunting, fishing, boating and other outdoor
activities for the disabled. H.R. 2760 has been endorsed by a
number of groups including: Disabled American Veterans,
International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies,
Paralyzed Veterans of America, Safari Club International,
Wheeling Sportsmen of America, and the Wildlife Management
Institute.
I am looking forward to hearing from our distinguished
witnesses today.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Pallone follows:]
Statement of Hon. Frank Pallone, Jr., a Representative in Congress from
the State of New Jersey
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding this hearing today on
the Disabled Sportsmen's Access Act, an amendment to the Sikes
Act.
The Sikes Act authorizes the Secretary of Defense and the
Secretary of the Interior, in coordination with the States, to
carry out cooperative fish and wildlife conservation and
management efforts on DOD property. This is a very important
statute, in that the Department of Defense happens to control
nearly 300 million acres of fish and wildlife habitat.
The Disabled Sportsmen's Access Act amends the Sikes Act to
allow DOD to facilitate improved access to these properties for
disabled individuals. In this way, the legislation that we are
considering today could improve access to DOD property for all
disabled individuals alike--including disabled veterans,
military dependents with disabilities, and others with
disabilities--for the purposes of hunting, fishing, and other
outdoor activities on military lands. The facilitation of these
activities would be carried out using donations of funding,
materials and labor--no Federal funding is authorized in the
bill.
Under the bill, the facilitation of these recreational
opportunities for persons with disabilities must be conducted
in a manner ``consistent with the primary military mission of
the installations'' and ``without substantial modification to
the natural environment.'' The interpretation of this last
phrase is something that I am interested in hearing about from
our witnesses here today.
Other than that, I think this bill is fairly
straightforward and should be without controversy.
I welcome today's witnesses, and I look forward to hearing
their testimony.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Young follows:]
Statement of Hon. Don Young, a Representative in Congress from the
State of Alaska
As a cosponsor of H.R. 2760, I am pleased that we are
having this Subcommittee hearing today on the Disabled
Sportsmen's Access Act.
This legislation, which would amend the Sikes Act, is an
innovative way to create opportunities for disabled Americans
to hunt and fish. It would encourage the Department of Defense
(DOD) to work with local volunteers to build hunting blinds and
fishing piers that can be used by disabled persons on some of
the 30 million acres under DOD's jurisdiction.
While not limited to retired military personnel, there are
some 78,000 veterans in this Nation who are confined to
wheelchairs with spinal cord injuries. Five years ago, Lt. Col.
Lewis Deal, with the support of his commanding officer, began a
program at the Quantico Marine Base to build four handicap-
accessible deer stands. This program has been a tremendous
success and it is a model for the rest of the 900 U.S. military
installations.
The goal of H.R. 2760 is to build upon the success of the
Quantico experience and to expand, where appropriate,
additional opportunities for hunting, fishing, and other
wildlife-dependent activities. Under the terms of this measure,
the Department would be able to accept donations of private
money, materials, and volunteer time to facilitate the
construction of facilities accessible to sportsmen with
disabilities.
This is an excellent proposal and I compliment our
colleague, Duke Cunningham, for introducing this fine bill, Lt.
Col. Lewis Deal for his compassion for disabled sportsmen, and
the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus for championing this
important cause. It is not surprising that this bill is
supported by a wide range of groups including the Disabled
American Veterans, International Association of Fish and
Wildlife Agencies, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Safari Club
International, Wheeling Sportsmen of America, and the Wildlife
Management Institute.
Finally, I look forward to hearing from our distinguished
witnesses. In particular, I am pleased that the Subcommittee
will hear from Lt. Col. Larry Gerlach. Col. Gerlach was the
Commander of the Marine Barracks in Lebanon when it was
demolished by an insane terrorist on October 23, 1983. This
Nation owes a great debt of gratitude to Col. Gerlach and all
of the Marines who were in that barracks on that terrible day.
His support for this legislation alone is a reason to move it
forward.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Saxton. Mr. Cunningham, I believe you are the sponsor
of this bill and perhaps you would like to begin.
Mr. Cunningham. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Saxton. Welcome aboard.
STATEMENT OF HON. RANDY ``DUKE'' CUNNINGHAM, A REPRESENTATIVE
IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Mr. Cunningham. Thank you, Jim. We'd like to, all of us
sponsoring this bill--and you can see behind us the number of
people we have--and I'd just like to submit this for the
record, instead of going through this whole thing. Disabled
sportsmen have had other disadvantages besides personal ones in
their life, and that's to participate in activities that most
of you and I are able to do.
This program is modeled on a program at Quantico started by
Lieutenant Colonel Lewis Deal, who will testify in just a
minute. We've got fishing piers, we've got hunting areas, we've
got things that disabled sportsmen can utilize and inprove the
quality of their own lives. I can't imagine being stuck
disabled for the rest of my life. And if I had any opportunity
to participate in some of the normal functions of society, I
think that that would be good.
This is a system which is very successful. It's a good idea
and we've got private individuals to invest. I was just talking
to the Colonel and we're trying to get the NFL to donate some
of the lifts for us in different areas. And with that, I'd like
your consideration and your help. Any changes that any of you
on either side of the aisle have, we will be more than willing
to look at those. But we think it's a pretty good program as is
and we ask for your support.
Instead of going through this whole thing, for the time, I
will just submit for the record, Mr. Chairman.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Cunningham follows:]
Statement of Hon. Randy ``Duke'' Cunningham, a Representative in
Congress from the State of California
Chairman Saxton, members of the Committee, thank you for
holding this hearing on the Disabled Sportsmen's Access Act,
H.R. 2760. I appreciate the opportunity to bring this
legislation before you today.
I introduced this legislation to expand opportunities for
sportsmen with disabilities to hunt and fish on Department of
Defense facilities. In addition, this legislation will allow
the Department to work with private organizations to construct
facilities and operate programs specifically for sportsmen with
disabilities.
Background
This legislation is based on a program run at nearby Marine
Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. This program, created by Lt.
Col. Lewis Deal, who will testify later in this hearing, is one
of the nation's most successful disabled hunting programs. With
the help of volunteers and donated materials, Col. Deal has
built eight permanent disabled accessible hunting blinds.
In addition, Quantico is constructing a fishing pier which
will be accessible for people with disabilities. This pier is
designed by the Paralyzed Veterans of America and is a model
for everyone in America to use.
Disabled Sportsmen's Access Act
The legislation before you today builds upon this
successful program by encouraging the Department of Defense to
provide improved access for disabled individuals, when
appropriate and within the military mission. I want to stress
that this bill protects the primary purpose of our nation's
military, the defense of our nation. Nothing in this
legislation is intended to hinder the ability of the nation's
fighting forces.
However, this legislation is intended to expand the
opportunities which our military installations offer for
outdoor recreational activities. These programs and
opportunities are available in many cases to both civilian and
military personnel. However, there has never been a
concentrated effort to provide access for people with
disabilities. This bill is intended to change that by providing
improved access for sportsmen with disabilities.
Donations
The second component of this legislation will allow the
Department of Defense to accept donations of money, material
and volunteers for the construction of the facilities necessary
to accommodate sportsmen with disabilities. This will allow the
Department to help sportsmen with disabilities hunt and fish at
no additional cost to the Federal Government.
Support
This legislation is strongly supported by Paralyzed
Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, The Retired
Officers Association, Wheeling Sportsmen of America, Pioneers
for the American Dream, Safari Club International, Wildlife
Legislative Fund of America, and the International Association
of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.
This bill is also supported by Haas Outdoors Inc., the
manufacturer of Mossy Oak camouflage. President Toxey Haas
says, ``The access to military lands for the purposes of
hunting and fishing that H.R. 2760 provides will go a long way
toward the rehabilitation of our veterans who have given so
much for us all.''
The Archery Manufacturers and Merchants Organization,
President Dick Lattimer, says ``a great number of paralyzed
vets enjoy hunting with bow and arrow, and for that reason I
would like to help you in whatever way I can.''
Buckmasters Magazine supports this bill by saying, ``this
important legislation will create new opportunities for the
disabled, exercising their God-given rights to hunt and fish
and enjoy the outdoors.''
The common theme in all of these letters of support is the
importance of outdoor recreation in improving people's quality
of life. This legislation can provide that benefit to people
who are too often denied access to our nation's precious
wildlife and natural beauty.
Action
Mr. Chairman, I know that you are aware that this
legislation is included in the fiscal year 1999 Defense
Authorization legislation (H.R. 3616), which was reported by
the House National Security Committee on Wednesday, May 6,
1998. I hope that this Committee of jurisdiction will take
prompt action to favorably pass this legislation.
Closing
Mr. Chairman, America has always provided for its veterans.
This legislation lets us give a little back to our veterans who
have given so much.
Thank you.
Mr. Saxton. The chances for great success for your bill
have been enhanced by the brevity of your statement.
Mr. Peterson.
STATEMENT OF HON. COLLIN PETERSON, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
FROM THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
Mr. Peterson. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I, too, would just
ask that, without objection, my statement be made a part of the
record. In Minnesota at Camp Ripley, a National Guard camp that
trains people from all over the United States, we have a hunt
that's been going on for some time where we bring disabled
people in for a deer hunt. The veterans' groups have become
involved, and they hunt with shotguns and some handguns. It's
very successful and something that's really appreciated by the
disabled veterans and others in our area and I think it's
something that we ought to do all over the country.
So here we have an example of something that works and this
bill is a good way to expand it to other places in the country
and we'd appreciate your support.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Peterson follows:]
Statement of Hon. Collin C. Peterson, a Representative in Congress from
the State of Minnesota
I would first like to thank Chairman Saxton and the members
of this Committee for giving me the opportunity to testify
before you today. I strongly support this legislation which
encourages the Department of Defense to provide improved access
for disabled veterans on military installations for hunting,
fishing, boating and other outdoor activities. The goal of this
legislation is to enable the Department of Defense to accept
private donations, material and volunteers for the construction
of facilities accessible to sportsmen with disabilities, and to
provide access to military installations through various
recreational programs.
A good example of the type of program which I believe can
be applied nationwide happens in Minnesota--at Camp Ripley. The
entire Camp Ripley is a state game refuge. However, this past
October, Camp Ripley hosted close to 40 disabled veterans who
used both shotguns and in some cases, handguns, to hunt white
tail deer for three days. This is a great program which allows
veterans to enjoy nature by getting back into the woods again.
The deer hunt has become very popular and has been drawing more
and more participants every year. In fact, the number of
disabled veterans who want to participate in the hunt has been
growing rapidly since the program began about five years ago.
The entire hunt is planned so as not to interrupt any training
exercises which occur at Camp Ripley. The program is not
difficult to implement and is also administered in a safety
conscious manner--especially with the help of volunteers who
assist each veteran one-on-one during the hunt.
I believe that the annual white tail deer hunt at Camp
Ripley, Minnesota is a highly successful program which deserves
to be used as an example of what can be done across the country
at different military installations. I support The Disabled
Sportsmen's Access Act as a means of facilitating these types
of programs nationwide.
Mr. Saxton. Thank you very much. Mr. Chambliss.
STATEMENT OF HON. SAXBY CHAMBLISS, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
FROM THE STATE OF GEORGIA
Mr. Chambliss. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I, too, have a
prepared statement for the record that I think has already been
submitted, and I want to just take the opportunity to thank
Duke Cunningham for introducing this legislation. I know Collin
feels the same way I do. It's one of the proud moments that
we've had the opportunity to serve in Congress on with respect
to cosponsoring a piece of legislation like this.
I've been very fortunate in my lifetime in the area where I
live in south Georgia to be able to hunt and fish with my son
on a regular basis, and for these folks to have more of an
opportunity to do this in other areas of the country, I think
is one of the best possible things that we can do with respect
to the disabled folks in this country. And it's one of the best
utilitizations of public lands that we can make.
I think the idea is just a terrific idea and I think
deserves the strong support of this Committee. Of course, you
and I serve on the National Security Committee together. This
legislation is a part of our Defense Authorization bill that we
passed in committee last week and will be going to the floor
next week.
You were a strong proponent of it in the National Security
Committee, and I know you will see to its swift passage in this
Subcommittee and Full Committee, and we thank you for your
reception of us this morning.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Chambliss follows:]
Statement of Hon. Saxby Chambliss, a Representative in Congress from
the State of Georgia
Thank you Chairman Saxton and Members of the Committee for
holding this hearing today. I am pleased to have the
opportunity to join my colleague Representative Duke Cunningham
and thank him for introducing the bill, H.R. 2760 The Disabled
Sportsmen's Access Act. As an original co-sponsor of the
legislation and the vice chairman of the Congressional
Sportsmen's Caucus, I strongly support this bill. Mr. Chairman,
as a member of the House National Security Committee along with
you, I am pleased that we included the Disabled Sportsmen's
Access Act in last week's fiscal year 1999 Department of
Defense Authorization Bill.
All my life I have enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Fortunately, my son and I have the opportunity to enjoy the
outdoors together--whether it's quail hunting in south Georgia,
pheasant hunting together in the midwest or fishing in one of
our favorite ponds scattered across our state. Indeed, these
times are priceless for a father and son.
This legislation ensures that every father and son, even if
they are disabled will have the same opportunity to enjoy the
great outdoors in a way that is so satisfying.
As Mr. Cunningham has said, this legislation expands
opportunities for sportsmen with disabilities to hunt and fish
on Department of Defense facilities. This bill will also allow
the Department to work with private organizations to construct
facilities and operate programs specifically for sportsmen with
disabilities.
Based on the disabled hunting and fishing program run at
nearby Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, this legislation
is a common-sense way to provide opportunities for these
activities to individuals across America.
While I do not want to restate any of the details of the
legislation that my colleague Mr. Cunningham has just
presented, I do want to share with you the fact that this
legislation has broad support from veterans groups,
organizations representing the disabled and from a litany of
outdoors and hunting and fishing groups.
Again, I thank you Mr. Chairman for holding this hearing
today. It is a non-partisan issue that ensures we provide
opportunities to those who too often do not have the chance to
participate in hunting and fishing activities. Mr. Chairman, it
is my hope that this hearing today by your Subcommittee is an
indicator that the House Resources Committee will take prompt
action on favorably passing this bill. I commend my colleague
Mr. Cunningham and look forward to hearing the testimony of
other panelists today.
Mr. Saxton. Thank you very much. And let me just say that
this bill is moving on two tracks, and the reason that it is
moving on two tracks is because you three have been such great
proponents for it. And we appreciate that, and I am sure that
either through the free-standing bill that we are dealing with
today or through the Defense Authorization bill, that within a
few months, this will become a law. And it's because of your
great work that we are in the position that we are, so thank
you very much for your great effort.
Mr. Cunningham. And the service chiefs--I have talked to
all of them--support this, too.
Mr. Saxton. Very good. Thank you very much. We will break
now for our vote. When we get back, we will proceed with panel
No. 2, Sherri Goodman, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, and
Lietenant Colonel Lewis Deal, Executive Officer, Weapons
Training Battalion, from Quantico. We appreciate you being with
us as well, so while we are gone, you can get yourselves set up
there.
Prime Minister Netanyahu is here and some of us have been
invited to meet with him at 11 o'clock, so hopefully, we will
be able to conclude this so that we don't have to take a break
for that and then come back. So I will rush over and be back
within 5 or 10 minutes. Thank you very much.
[Recess.]
Mr. Saxton. I apologize for that. And I wouldn't be
surprised if there will be some more votes here in the next
half hour or so, but we will persevere.
Sherri Goodman and Col. Deal, welcome aboard. We are
anxious to hear your testimonies, so you may proceed.
STATEMENT OF SHERRI W. GOODMAN, DEPUTY UNDER SECRETARY OF
DEFENSE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Ms. Goodman. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. It is a
pleasure to be here today to testify on behalf of the
Department of Defense. I am very pleased to report to you that
we have worked with Congressman Cunningham's staff to make some
minor, but necessary, revisions to the bill as introduced, and
I am now pleased to convey to you the Department's full support
for this Disabled Sportsmen's Access Act.
I am also very pleased to have with me on this panel,
Lieutenant Colonel Deal, whose enthusiastic support for the
cause of the disabled sportsmen has made this bill possible.
Col. Deal has personally been responsible for the success of
the Disabled Sportsmen's Program at Marine Corps Base,
Quantico.
As you know, Mr. Chairman, we manage about 25 million acres
of land across the United States, which makes the Department of
Defense the third largest land management department in the
country. Our lands are managed first and foremost to provide
for the training and testing necessary to maintain and enhance
military readiness. DOD lands support the testing of new
weapons systems, munitions, deployment of weapons systems, and
combat training exercises.
Our lands are also rich in various natural resources and we
have an obligation to protect these resources for future
generations. We take pride in our stewardship program and we
have policies in place to conserve our natural and cultural
resources for future generations.
Although our primary conservation focus is mission support,
DOD manages its lands for multiple uses, including outdoor
recreation, such as hunting, fishing, commercial forestry and
agriculture programs, and threatened and endangered species
management.
A major component of our conservation program at many DOD
installations is its natural resources-based outdoor recreation
program. By offering the opportunity to hunt, fish, hike, bird
watch, and engage in other outdoor activities, our conservation
managers enhance the quality of life for our installation
residents and those who reside in the vicinity of our
installation. We've offered these programs for many years and
have made them available whenever military needs and sound
management practices allow.
Concerning access for disabled sportsmen, we are subject to
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Furthermore,
many bases have integrated special outdoor recreation programs
for the disabled into their natural resources programs.
They have also constructed special facilities to encourage
hunting, fishing and other outdoor uses of our natural
resources by disabled persons. But there is no doubt that
indeed we can do more, and that's why we support the
legislation today.
I'd like to give you just a few examples of where our
installations are already providing access, and then I'd like
to ask Lieutenant Colonel Deal to tell his own special story
about Quantico.
I am going to proceed very quickly here, Mr. Chairman. We
have programs at Eglin Air Force Base that have provided
special opportunities. At Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, there
is a fishing pier designed specifically for persons with
disabilities. This design was provided to Robins Air Force
Base, Georgia, in 1996, and it became the prototype for Robins'
handicapped angler access pier construction program.
At the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida,
handicapped access is taken into consideration in the
construction of nature trails, as well.
These examples testify to the Department's commitment to
make outdoor recreational opportunities more available to
members of the disabled community. Some of our installations,
such as Quantico, have developed particularly innovative
programs that could well serve as models for disabled
sportsmen's access anywhere, and indeed, I hope they will.
With this legislation to spur our efforts and the many
successful installation programs that we have already as
models, we look forward to providing the disabled even greater
access to the rich and varied outdoor recreational
opportunities our military lands have to offer.
And I would just like to say, Mr. Chairman, that I had an
opportunity to converse with some of the witnesses on the next
panel, and I have learned much from them. I think that they and
the organizations they represent can be integral parts of our
teamwork effort as we move forward to provide greater access
for disabled sportsmen.
I would now like to have Lieutenant Colonel Deal tell his
own story about his unique effort to make Quantico more
accessible to disabled sportsmen and to help others across the
country. Colonel Deal.
[The prepared statement of Ms. Goodman may be found at end
of hearing.]
Mr. Saxton. Thank you very much. Col. Deal.
STATEMENT OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL A. LEWIS DEAL, EXECUTIVE
OFFICER, WEAPONS TRAINING BATTALION, QUANTICO MARINE CORPS BASE
Colonel Deal. Good morning, sir. I will follow the lead of
my fellow naval aviator, Congressman Cunningham, and keep my
remarks brief, too.
I would like to begin by acknowledging the decisive
leadership and actions of Congressman Cunningham and his fellow
members who have come to the aid of all disabled sportsmen. I
would like also to thank all of those who have come here today
to testify, especially Kirk Thomas of the Wheeling Sportsmen of
America for his time and expense to travel all the way from the
great state of Alabama.
My experiences at Quantico working to initiate programs and
building facilities for our disabled veterans have been
challenging, deeply rewarding, and a heck of a lot of fun.
We've had some unique experiences that could be classified as
almost comical. I am proud to say that our programs are a
success and are now open to all sportsmen, not just disabled
veterans.
However, our disabled veterans still have first priority
during hunting season. We are now in the final stages of
planning a wheelchair accessible fishing pier. This has been a
3-year effort in which we have been working closely with
Paralyzed Veterans of America. I'd like to add that from day
one the Paralyzed Veterans of America, especially Bruce Scott,
have been our closest ally and we couldn't have gotten this far
without their help.
This fishing facility is extremely important, not just for
the disabled veteran, but for the disabled dependent children
aboard Quantico. For those children who will never have a
chance to play football or take dancing lessons, no price tag
can be put upon having the opportunity to safely go fishing
with their families, especially in light of the fact that
fishing is the No. 1 requested outdoor activity for disabled
sportsmen.
What I would really like to say is the following: This
journey, this endeavor that we have begun, does not have a road
map or a blueprint. This has never been done before. We have to
design and build our own course, our own roadway to the future.
It is paramount that we build a solid team, just like we
did down at Quantico. There can be no hidden or selfish
personal agendas. We must realize the biggest obstacle to our
success is the misinformed attitudes of our fellow Americans
toward disabled sportsmen.
No nation in the world is attempting to do what we are
doing, returning the disabled sportsman to the great outdoors.
This is Americans helping Americans in its purest form. Our
success at Quantico is just one small step on this journey.
I am excited about the future. I am excited about what the
future will bring. And as we say in the Marine Corps, I am
eager to step off smartly.
Thank you, sir. Are there any questions?
[The prepared statement of Colonel Deal may be found at end
of hearing.]
Mr. Saxton. Thank you. The only question that I have for
either of you is obviously, when we change the processes in
various ways in the military, there are oftentimes what I call
the necessity to work around. Is there any work around that we
have to be aware of? Are there any disadvantages, I guess is
what I'm saying, in an operational sense, or anything along
those lines that we need to be aware of?
Colonel Deal. From Quantico, no. We just try to piggyback
on existing programs.
Mr. Saxton. Access to bases, anything like that?
Ms. Goodman. Mr. Chairman, I wouldn't anticipate that this
will actually change the accessibility of bases. Many of our
bases around the country are open to the public for hunting and
fishing today, and where they are, we want to make them more
accessible to the disabled. And to those that are available
only to the military there, we also want to make those
available accessible to the disabled who may reside on that
base.
Mr. Saxton. In other words, if the veteran community has
access to a base, then this wouldn't change anything.
Ms. Goodman. Right. This wouldn't change the basic access,
but this will enable us to have the support and the help, the
wherewithal, and the ingenuity of the many organizations
represented by your next panel of witnesses to help us design
programs, design opportunities in hunting, fishing and other
outdoor activities that are right for the disabled.
Mr. Saxton. Very good. Well, as I said earlier, this
subject, this bill, this language is moving forward on two
tracks, and we are going to try to keep it doing so. So thank
you very much, both of you, for being with us to share your
thoughts and experiences. We appreciate it very much, and we're
going to move on to the next panel. Thank you.
Panel three is composed of Lieutenant Colonel Larry Gerlach
of the U.S. Marine Corps, Retired, whose home is in Fairfax,
Virginia; Mr. Harley Thomas, Associate Legislative Director of
the Paralyzed Veterans of America, who is accompanied by Mr.
Bruce Scott, Director of Outdoor Activities, Paralyzed Veterans
of America. Also, Mr. Kirk Thomas, President, the Wheelin'
Sportsmen of America, and Mr. Jack Fasciana, a handicapped
hunter from the Safari Club, which organization is in town
today, by the way. I had the opportunity to have breakfast with
them, as a matter of fact. And he is accompanied by his father,
John Fasciana. The father, John Fasciana, of Bedford Hills, New
York.
Welcome aboard, and Mr. Gerlach, if you are ready, why
don't you just proceed.
STATEMENT OF H. LARRY GERLACH, LIEUTENANT COLONEL, USMC,
RETIRED
Colonel Gerlach. Thank you, Chairman Saxton, for inviting
me today to testify on the Disabled Sportsmen's Access Act. I
come before this Subcommittee as a veteran with a spinal cord
injury who has been able to enjoy the outdoors and hunt deer
and turkey at Quantico as a result of their great sportsmen
accessibility program.
The Quantico program, I believe, should be used as a model
for H.R. 2760. It can't be exactly replicated at every base,
but I think it could be used as a guide and adapted to the
local communities around the base. I'd like to thank the
Subcommittee for taking the time to consider the bill, and I
thank Representatives Cunningham and Tanner for sponsoring it.
As a sportsman who loves fishing and hunting or just to be
afield or afloat, I have a vested interest in the Act and the
program. Although I wouldn't presume to speak for all the
disabled, veterans or not, I know a large number of them would
benefit from the bill and it would add to their quality of
life.
The inclusion of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in a
consultation role, along with the national service, military
and veterans organizations, I believe is significant and adds
much to the bill. The Department of Veterans Affairs is a main
provider of services to disabled veterans and is the recognized
leader in service to the spinal cord injured.
I know from the time I spent in the hospital, the better
part of 1984, that having his program would have been a welcome
dimension to the VA's efforts to help those who have suffered a
catastrophic injury return to a full life, or as close as they
can come to it.
The program at Quantico has clearly shown the advantages of
including volunteers, veterans organizations and sporting
private organizations in the program, and is in step with the
nation's tradition of volunteerism.
My friend Lieutenant Colonel Lew Deal, spoke earlier and in
his volunteer capacity has been one of the prime leaders in
setting up the program. Terry Labar, another former Marine who
is an instructor at the FBI Academy and uses a wheelchair to
get around, and Tim Stamps, head of the hunting and fishing
section at Quantico, have been very generous with their time
and effort in setting up the program.
In 1994, the program started with the building of
wheelchair accessible stands and Paralyzed Veterans of America,
they donated $500 worth of materials and then that was matched
by Smitty's Hardware Store in Stafford County, who donated an
equal amount of free lumber. That was the beginning for the
program, and they have been added to and improved every year
since.
The volunteers also act as hunting partners for the
disabled, and it's really unique in that, as those of us who
work full-time, sometimes our schedules change. In one
instance, I wasn't able to know that I was going to be able to
go hunting on a Saturday until Friday. Well, the nice part
about the program, I could call up--and I did, I said, ``Hey,
Tim, I'd like to go hunting tomorrow. Is there any
possibility.'' And he said, ``I'll call you back in half an
hour, I'll let you know.'' He called back in about 20 minutes
and I was out hunting the next day. So it wasn't something
where you had to--it was flexible, sort of like curb cuts. It's
nice when they are there, so you don't have to depend on
someone to haul you up over the curb when you're getting in
someplace.
The beauty of the program is I think it is a win-win
situation. I think it fits with DOD's quality of life program.
It demonstrates a real effort and a tangible benefit to those
who are currently serving on active duty, because they see that
the uniformed services really are taking care of their own.
That's the conclusion of my prepared testimony. I'd be
happy to answer any questions if I can.
[The prepared statement of Colonel Gerlach may be found at
end of hearing.]
Mr. Saxton. Thank you, Mr. Gerlach. That was well done. Mr.
Thomas.
STATEMENT OF HARLEY THOMAS, LIEUTENANT COLONEL, USMC, RETIRED
Mr. Harley Thomas. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On behalf of
the Paralyzed Veterans of America, PVA, it's an honor to
participate in today's hearing. PVA appreciates this
opportunity to give our views on the Disabled Sportsmen's Act.
Over 50 years ago, the original founders of Paralyzed Veterans
came together in a united front to advocate participation in
organized sports as an enhancement to rehabilitation.
Veterans suffering traumatic spinal cord injury began
playing wheelchair basketball and discovered that they didn't
have to be spectators, they could also participate, and in
doing so, enhance the quality of their lives.
Today, some 51 years later, PVA continues to support and
promote organized wheelchair sports for disabled veterans.
Together with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the annual
Veterans Wheelchair Games brings together over 500 participants
in wheelchairs in organized competition. This is the largest
organized wheelchair sporting event in the world.
Although the Veterans Wheelchair Games is a true success
story, it only accommodates a small number of the over 78,000
disabled veterans suffering from traumatic spinal cord injury
or dysfunction, and a mere fraction of the estimated 9 million
veterans classified as disabled.
PVA launched the annual U.S. Open Bass Tournament for
disabled anglers back in 1987. And in 1984, this event was
expanded into the Bass Trail, which consists of five to six
events annually. Each of these events, held at various
locations around the country, draws between 70 to 75 disabled
anglers.
In 1988, PVA launched a trap shoot for disabled
individuals. This event has prospered over the years and this
year was expanded to five different locations. The rules for
disabled trap shooting are the same as for able-bodied
individuals.
Outdoor recreational facilities and opportunities are
extremely important to all veterans and all individuals with
disabilities. In a 1996 survey that we conducted, we found that
the No. 1 recreational activity for our members and all people
with disabilities was fishing, closely followed by hunting and
all other recreational activities.
Unfortunately, the numbers of accessible outdoor
recreational facilities are extremely limited. Many local
municipalities simply do not have the funds available to
provide adequate outdoor recreational facilities.
The Marine base at Quantico, Virginia has taken steps to
ensure accessibility to outdoor recreation facilities by
disabled individuals. This program has been extremely
successful, and as Col. Gerlach said, ``I'm not much of a
spectator sports fan, but I really love hunting and fishing.
It's more fun doing than watching.''
This program needs to be expanded nationwide to all
military installations providing maximum availability of
quality outdoor recreation facilities to disabled veterans, and
to others with disabilities.
The enactment of H.R. 2760 can provide a solution to this
problem. Most military bases have ongoing outdoor recreation
facilities to include fishing, hunting, boating, camping, and
many other desirable activities. The Department of Defense is
already required to provide access for qualified individuals
with disabilities in all of its programs by virtue of Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
However, full implementation has been hampered by the lack
of resources and the cutback in budgets. The ability to use
volunteers and donations to make recreational areas accessible
will greatly increase the implementation of these existing
regulations.
By making these facilities accessible to disabled veterans,
military dependents and other persons with disabilities would
have access to more than 30 million acres, much of which is
prime hunting ground. Utilization of these facilities can
enrich the quality of life for many disabled individuals.
Through the use of volunteers and donation of time and
materials, costs associated with converting the existing
outdoor activities to accommodate disabled individuals will be
minimal. PVA has a staff of expert architects that are leaders
in the field of disability and ADA standards. PVA would be
happy to provide technical assistance to any military
installation in providing accessible outdoor recreation
facilities to the disabled community.
I would like to extend a special thank you to Congressman
Duke Cunningham for his introduction of this vital piece of
legislation and the positive impact it will have on the
disabled community. And I'd also like to thank Senator Burns
for his introduction of the like bill in the Senate.
Mr. Chairman, PVA urges passage of H.R. 2760. Thank you for
holding this important hearing. I would be happy to answer any
questions you may have.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Harley Thomas may be found
at end of hearing.]
Mr. Saxton. Thank you very much. Very excellent testimony.
As you have heard, we are again having a vote on the House
floor, and I have about 5 minutes to get over to do the vote.
Let me make an unusual suggestion. Obviously, I feel like it's
necessary, inasmuch as I've been invited to a meeting with the
Prime Minister, to be there at 11 o'clock.
Therefore, we can do one of two things. I can just go to
make my vote and by the time I get back, it will be 11 o'clock.
And so I will go on to the meeting, and would you rather we
adjourn to a time certain in the next, say, 12 o'clock? Or
would you just prefer to wait and I will get back as soon as I
can?
Mr. Kirk Thomas. Whatever you want to do is fine with me.
Mr. Saxton. All right, we will adjourn pending my return
and, as was just suggested by staff, there are other members
who are busy off doing votes and other things who may be back
before I am, and if so, they will take the chair and you can
give your testimony in that way.
Thank you very much for understanding, and I apologize.
[Recess.]
Mr. Peterson. [presiding] We are prepared to reconvene the
hearing. Our next witness will be Mr. Kirk Thomas, President,
Wheelin' Sportsmen of America. Welcome.
STATEMENT OF KIRK THOMAS, PRESIDENT, WHEELIN' SPORTSMEN OF
AMERICA, INC.
Mr. Kirk Thomas. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and
members of the Committee for the privilege to testify before
you today. I'd like to also thank Congressman Cunningham and
Senator Burns for the leadership role they played.
It is an honor to represent myself, Wheelin' Sportsmen of
America and all disabled individuals across America. Persons
with disabilities are the largest minority group in our
country. There are approximately 54 million people with
disabilities in the United States, 9 million of which are
veterans.
Outdoor activities are extremely important to people with
disabilities. It provides a lot of things, good health,
education, enjoyment, confidence, character, and goes a long
way in building self-esteem, all of which add to the quality of
life.
The goal of WSA is to provide opportunities for all people
with disabilities so they can get out and enjoy outdoors. Our
emphasis is on teamwork. We team disabled and nondisabled
together to negate many barriers. This, of course, does a good
job in promoting disability awareness.
We also team up with other organizations, groups, et cetera
that are interested in our same goals. The reason for our
explosive growth and success in such a short time has been
because of teamwork.
We offer our partnership to this bill, H.R. 2760. H.R. 2760
can be a tremendous teamwork opportunity for everyone. I'd like
for everyone to see that. We are dedicated to our goals and
objectives. Myself and WSA are proud to step up as leaders in
providing our expertise, leadership effort, promotional
resources, and dedication in the success of H.R. 2760.
I believe H.R. 2760 could be the catalyst that is needed
for millions of people to team up to provide outdoor recreation
for people with disabilities. It is very important. We look
forward to the opportunities, challenges and success ahead of
us.
In closing, myself and WSA are interested in seeing the
outdoors made accessible, more available. Teamwork and reality
in working together can make the outdoors accomplishable.
Thank you very much, and if there are any questions, I will
be glad to take them.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Kirk Thomas may be found at
end of hearing.]
Mr. Peterson. Thank you very much, Kirk. I really
appreciate your willingness to come and share with us.
I will introduce our next speaker, Mr. Jack Fasciana,
Handicapped Hunter of the Year, Safari Club International, and
he's accompanied by his father, John, of Bedford Hills, New
York.
He is a very young man who wrote his own testimony. Don't
be nervous. We are just people like your dad. Mrs. Kelly was
hoping to introduce you. She had to leave for a few minutes,
and she is going to miss the opportunity. We apologize for her,
but welcome and congratulate you on having the courage to do
what you're doing. I know your dad is very proud of you, and we
are, too. So please proceed.
STATEMENT OF JACK FASCIANA, SAFARI CLUB INTERNATIONAL
Mr. Fasciana. Mr. Chairman and distinguished members of the
Committee. Thank you for granting me the opportunity to speak
here today.
I am here to speak in support of H.R. 2760, the Disabled
Sportsmen's Access Act. I am speaking to you from my
perspective as a disable American sportsman who has been
fortunate enough to enjoy adventures in our outdoors. My
achievements have been recognized by Safari Club International
and I was the first recipient of the Special Young Hunter Award
last January.
My disability results from the fact that I have an
extremely rare neuromuscular disorder called dystonia, which
significantly limits my ability to walk and use my hands and
arms.
Federal lands are part of America's heritage, and part of
its living legacy to all its citizens, including disabled
sportsmen. H.R. 2760 allows a partnership between the
Department of Defense and the private sector so that they can
join forces to make these lands accessible to people like me.
Safari Club International, which has been a leader in
providing opportunities for disabled hunters, is an example of
a private sector organization that will be an effective
partner.
The United States leads the nations of the world in making
all aspects of life accessible to its disabled citizens. The
pilot program at Quantico Marine Corps Base demonstrates that
this concept can work well.
I know I am disabled, and I know the consequences of my
disability. The dedication of my family, especially the
dedication and sacrifices of my dad, have given me the
opportunity not only to enjoy the outdoors, but to demonstrate
to myself and to my peers that my disability is only an
obstacle to be overcome, not a barrier to participation.
The Disabled Sportsmen's Access Act will make it easier for
many disabled Americans to overcome these obstacles and to
experience the adventures that I have experienced.
I hope you will vote in favor of this legislation and I
again offer to you my profound thanks for granting me the
opportunity to address the Committee this morning. Thank you.
[The prepared statement of Jack Fasciana may be found at
end of hearing.]
Mr. Peterson. Thank you very much, Jack. At this time, I
ask unanimous consent to be joined by Congresswoman Sue Kelly.
So ordered. Mrs. Kelly, please proceed.
Mrs. Kelly. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to thank you
for giving me the opportunity to address the Subcommittee this
morning. I am happy to be here to express my support for an
important piece of legislation introduced by my friend, Duke
Cunningham, to increase outdoor recreation opportunities for
the disabled at military installations.
I am also please to be here to listen to an impressive
young man who happens to be a constituent of mine, Jack
Fasciana, from Bedford Hills, New York. Outdoor sporting
activities, such as hunting and fishing, are important to our
society on a number of levels. They contribute billions of
dollars to our economy every year and support millions of
American jobs. I realize that this issue is not often thought
of in economic terms, but when I hear the rhetoric from those
who seek to restrict hunting and fishing opportunities, I have
to remind them of the importance of these activities to New
York's and the nation's economy.
Fishing alone supports nearly 18,000 jobs in New York
State. These activities also support the environment. Excise
taxes on outdoor equipment have pumped billions of dollars into
wildlife restoration activities over the years.
Of course, Mr. Chairman, we all know that hunting, fishing,
and other outdoor sports represent more than dollars and cents.
They represent an important part of our heritage, a tradition
that's passed down from generation to generation.
What concerns me is whether Jack's generation will be able
to enjoy the same opportunities that my family did. And this is
why the Disabled Sportsmen's Access Act is so important. This
is important legislation and it will ensure that outdoor
programs on our nation's military installations will be
accessible to the disabled.
General Norman Schwartzkopf called Jack Fasciana a true
American hero, and I couldn't agree more. Despite having a very
rare neuromuscular disorder called early onset torsion
dystonia, Jack has proved that a disability doesn't have to be
an obstacle to enjoying the outdoors. He's hunted with his dad
since he was two and a half years old, and he was recently
honored with the Safari Club International's Special Young
Hunter Award. As a matter of fact, Jack told me at that event,
he stood in front of an audience and addressed an audience of
1,500 people, right, Jack? And he did it very well.
Dystonia is a terrible disease, Mr. Chairman, but it hasn't
dampened Jack's love of the outdoors. We, as policymakers, have
an obligation to Jack and to other disabled sportsmen to enact
policies which will allow them to enjoy hunting and fishing so
that they will be able to pass this tradition on to their
children and grandchildren.
I thank you again, Mr. Chairman, for giving me the
opportunity to speak this morning. And Jack, I thank you for
very good testimony. We really appreciate having you with us
this morning.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Peterson. We thank the gentlelady from New York for
coming and sharing with us about her constituent. We appreciate
that. I would like to thank the entire panel, and especially
Jack. Jack, those of us who sometimes worry about the future of
this country, when we see young people like you, motivated as
you are, willing to speak out as you are, I think we are in
good hands for the future. So you keep on doing what you are
doing. You keep on being the exceptional young man that you
are, and we'll all be very proud to watch you proceed.
To the whole panel, thank you for coming today and
supporting a very good piece of legislation.
[The prepared statement of the National Rifle Association
may be found at end of hearing.]
Mr. Peterson. This hearing is in recess.
[Whereupon, at 11:14 a.m., the Subcommittee adjourned
subject to the call of the Chair.]
[Additional material submitted for the record follows.]
Statement of Sherri W. Goodman, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense
(Environmental Security)
I would like to thank Chairman Saxton and the members of
the House Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation,
Wildlife and Oceans for inviting me to testify today on behalf
of the Department of Defense. I am happy to report that the
Department has worked with Representative Cunningham's staff to
make some minor but necessary revisions to the bill as
introduced, and I am now pleased to convey to you the
Department's full support for the Disabled Sportsmen's Access
Act.
DoD manages 25 million acres of land across the United
States, an area the size of the state of Virginia, which makes
us the third largest land management department in the United
States. DoD lands are managed first and foremost to provide for
the training and testing necessary to enhance military
readiness.
DoD lands support readiness, testing of new weapon systems,
testing of munitions, deployment of weapon systems, and combat
training exercises. To have the ability to deploy and fight
successfully anywhere in the world, the armed forces must train
in a wide variety of climatic and terrain conditions. Training
areas are located throughout the United States on grasslands,
deserts, coastal areas, forests and tundra. For example, desert
environments are used for maneuvers that involve large,
mechanized battalions; coastal zones and beaches provide the
setting for missile launches and amphibious landings; forested
areas are essential for small arms combat training; and, large
open areas are needed to accommodate air-to-ground bombing
ranges.
DoD lands are rich in various natural resources and we have
an obligation to protect those resources for future
generations. Our lands are home to many important species and
habitats. DoD takes pride in its stewardship program and has
had policies in place to conserve its natural and cultural
resources for many years. This early commitment to sustainable
resource management has evolved into well-defined, formalized,
and integrated conservation policies.
DoD's conservation program is focused on supporting the
military mission. Sound conservation practices enhance mission
safety; promote sustainability of training areas; and provide
increased flexibility for military trainers. For example, we
are working closely with military trainers to reduce the risk
of loss of aircrews and aircraft to bird strikes. Recent
efforts have substantially increased our ability to map large
concentrations of birds. We have also started to use weather
radar to provide near real time information on bird locations.
This will permit aircrews to make last minute changes to
flights to avoid potential hazards. The Army's Integrated
Training Area Management program helps control vegetation loss
and reduce soil erosion caused by tracked vehicles through a
combination of monitoring, rehabilitation, and education. By
clearly identifying when and where training lands are impacted,
we are able to balance immediate military training needs with
the land's ability to sustain long-term use.
DoD also is developing new management approaches to
increase military training flexibility on the use of land with
sensitive species or habitats. One approach is to manage
natural resources as part of an entire ecosystem. Land
management plans and species recovery plans are developed based
upon a more complete understanding of resources and habitat
throughout the region. The plans balance the responsibility for
supporting endangered species among all major Federal
landowners. In addition, the plans ensure future development
does not interfere with mission capabilities and is compatible
with measures to protect endangered or threatened species.
That's why we are moving to an ecosystem approach to managing
our lands. This new approach has increased access to formerly
restricted areas at locations such as Camp Pendleton,
California, and Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Although DoD's primary conservation focus is mission
support, DoD manages its lands for multiple uses, including
outdoor recreation such as hunting and fishing, commercial
forestry and agriculture programs, and threatened and
endangered species management. By using comprehensive,
integrated resource planning, DoD natural resource managers
ensure that military mission requirements are met and other
uses are accommodated whenever feasible.
A major component of DoD's conservation program at many DoD
installations is its natural resources-based outdoor recreation
program. By offering the opportunity to hunt, fish, hike, bird
watch, and engage in other outdoor activities, DoD's
conservation managers enhance the quality of life for our
installation residents and those authorized patrons who reside
in the vicinity of an installation. DoD bases have offered
these programs for many years and have made them available
whenever military needs and sound management practices allow.
Concerning access for disabled sportsmen the Department of
Defense is subject to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973. Additionally, it is DoD policy that all outdoor
recreational opportunities meet all requirements of the
Americans with Disabilities Act. Furthermore, many bases have
integrated special outdoor recreation programs for the disabled
into their natural resources programs. They have also
constructed special facilities to encourage hunting, fishing,
and other outdoor uses of our natural resources by authorized
patrons who are disabled. I would like to provide you with just
a few examples of where our installations are providing such
access to disabled sportsmen.
For example, for the past ten years, Naval Surface Weapons
Center, Crane, Indiana, has annually invited approximately 120
holders of an Indiana Handicapped Deer Hunting Permit to hunt
on base prior to the legal firearm deer hunting season, with
the permission of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
The Indiana Deer Hunters Association helps the Station with
this hunt by assisting in notifying hunters of the hunt and by
supplying people to walk with the disabled hunters. The success
rate during the hunt is usually double that of a regular hunt
because the Navy allows hunters with disabilities more chances
to move around than are allowed during regular hunts, and use
the volunteers and Station personnel help the hunters track
down any deer they might have wounded. For many of the hunters,
this is the only chance they have each year to hunt deer with a
reasonable chance of success.
Scott AFB, Illinois, offers a fishing pier designed
specifically for persons with disabilities. Scott provided this
design to Robins AFB, Georgia, in 1996, and it became the
prototype for Robins' handicapped angler access pier
construction program. Robins has constructed two fishing piers
accessible to persons with disabilities. This design also has
been proposed for use throughout Air Mobility Command. The
design complies with national handicapped access standards. The
all weather construction allows safe access to the water with a
protective hand rail throughout and a roomy, level deck
extending over the water surface.
For the last four years, Eglin AFB, Florida, in conjunction
with the Florida Disabled Hunters Association, has sponsored a
Mobility Impaired Hunt in areas normally closed to public
hunting due to mission testing. These areas have some of the
highest white-tailed deer and wild hog densities on Eglin and
in the Florida Panhandle. The Eglin Natural Resources Branch
distributes to and accepts applications from interested
hunters, and the Florida Disabled Hunters Association screens
those applications to ensure applicants meet the mobility
impaired criteria. After the screening process, Eglin randomly
selects 40 qualified applicants to participate in a two day,
weekend hunt Eglin invests many field hours identifying and
designating hunting locations to provide the highest quality
hunting opportunities possible. Eglin escorts the hunters into
the closed areas and drops them off at their designated stand
locations. They check on the hunters several times during the
day to see if they need any assistance, including finding,
retrieving, and dressing game. During last year's hunt, a total
of 37 hunters harvested 54 deer and one hog. Among the
successful hunters were one who had been unable to harvest a
deer in 35 years, and another who had not been successful for
the past ten years.
Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, has constructed nine
ground blinds on stands for disabled hunters. These stands were
built by volunteers with donated materials from the Paralyzed
Veterans of America and a local hardware store. These stands
are reserved for disabled hunters only, and availability is
advertised in local newspapers and the Paralyzed Veterans
newsletter. The stands are open all season. Quantico is also
planning to build a fishing pier with access for handicapped
persons, with low gradient trails. It will be completed next
year to allow year round river access for disabled fishermen.
Ravenna Army Ammunition Plant, Ohio, provides deer hunting
permits for those in wheelchairs, as space permits, and sets
aside a designated hunting area for these special needs
hunters. Ravenna helps the hunters set up, and ensures that
each hunter has a non-hunting partner to assist his or her
needs.
McAlester Army Ammunition Plant, Oklahoma, dedicates one
weekend during the annual deer hunt to physically challenged
hunters only. An average of 100 hunters participate in these
hunts.
Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas, has just implemented a policy
which allows persons with disabilities to have exclusive use of
deer stands that they erect. Pine Bluff also allows persons
with disabilities to purchase a lifetime permit for the price
of a normal annual permit.
Blossom Point Research Facility, Maryland, has one
wheelchair accessible stand and two others that are only one
step off the ground. An individual with a motorized wheelchair
and others who have had hip and/or knee replacements and cannot
climb stairs use these stands. The Blossom Point hunting
program is open to the public by lottery so that hunting
opportunities are offered to all individuals, not just those
affiliated with DoD.
Camp Ripley, Minnesota, annually conducts a two-day,
Disabled American Veterans hunt for deer in cooperation with
the Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Enforcement
divisions, the Department of Veterans Affairs, Disabled
American Veterans, and local veterans groups. This program was
initiated in 1992, when twenty one participants succeeded in
obtaining seven deer.
Camp Navajo, Arizona, initiated a successful hunt for
disabled veterans only, which allows them to hunt without
interference from other hunters. This hunt will be expanded
this year with the addition of some four wheel drive all
terrain vehicles that will be used to transport disabled
veteran hunters throughout the hunting area.
Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Laboratory has hosted
a Disabled Veterans Special Deer Hunt annually since 1987, in
cooperation with the Virginia Deer Hunters Association. The
Association provides 50 to 75 volunteers each year to aid
disabled veterans, conduct the deer drives, provide nourishment
to the hunters, and prepare the venison. The disabled veterans
are situated in the back of pickup trucks to enhance their
ability to see the deer and to gain access to different parts
of the base. Some 12 to 15 disabled veterans participate each
year.
At Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, Florida, handicapped
access is taken into consideration for all nature trails. For
example, the Station is currently building a wheelchair ramp
onto the pavilion at its Watchable Wildlife area, with a paved
walkway leading from the pavilion to its natural resources
education center. The Station is also constructing a nature
walk with fiber mulch and a boardwalk through a wetlands area
that meet Americans for Disabilities Act standards.
The many examples I have discussed with you today testify
to the Department's commitment to make outdoor recreational
opportunities more available to members of the disabled
community. Some of our installations have developed
particularly innovative programs that could well serve as
models for disabled sportsmen's access anywhere. With this
legislation to spur our efforts, and these many successful
installation programs as our polestar, we look forward to
providing the disabled even greater access to the rich and
varied outdoor recreational opportunities our military lands
offer.
I would be happy to answer any questions from the
Committee.
------
Statement of Lieutenant Colonel A. Lewis Deal, United States Marine
Corps
Mr. Chairman and members of the House Subcommittee on
Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife, and Oceans, it is my great
pleasure and honor to address you today on such an historic
piece of legislation. I would like to begin by acknowledging
the leadership of Rep. Cunningham and Sen. Burns for their
leadership on behalf of disabled sportsmen.
BACKGROUND
The genesis and foundation for my involvement with disabled
sportsmen began at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, in
1993. I read an article in the March 1993 edition of OUTDOOR
LIFE magazine addressing the needs and challenges of disabled
sportsmen returning to the great outdoors. It occurred to me
that Quantico could develop a hunting program that would allow
access for our disabled veterans. I wrote a proposal and sent
it to Brigadier General Steele who at that time was the base
Commanding General. His decision was quick and decisive, ``We
are going to make this happen.'' With the help of eager
volunteers, donated materials from the Paralyzed Veterans of
America and a local hardware store, we constructed several
wooden ground blinds. That fall we initiated a disabled
veterans ``pilot'' hunting program. It was a huge success.
Quantico now has a fully integrated disabled hunting program
open to any disabled sportsman. The hunting program includes
deer, small game, and turkey. There are 10 permanent ground
blinds and a ``HUNTMASTER'' elevating lift. The base Boy Scout
Troop just completed building wheelchair accessible paths for
our Trap/Skeet range. We are also in the final planning stages
for building a handicapped accessible fishing pier. We feel
Quantico has a model program for other DoD installations. In
fact, I have received requests from disabled veterans as far
away as Oklahoma and Florida asking to come hunt at Quantico. I
do not feel disabled veterans should have to travel that far to
utilize a military facility, especially when there are military
bases in their home states.
CONCEPT
Since the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed
in 1990, there has been a tremendous groundswell of support for
people with disabilities in this country. Nationwide there are
hundreds of programs and initiatives to give citizens with
disabilities access to buildings, facilities, and recreational
activities.
The Department of Defense (DoD) manages nearly 25 million
acres of land, containing every conceivable landform and type
of habitat. These well managed lands provide environments in
which fish and game animals flourish. Our military
installations offer numerous outdoor recreation programs
(fishing, hunting, trap/skeet, boating, camping, wildlife
viewing, etc.) which provide outstanding opportunities for both
military and civilian sportsmen.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to
administrating Federal programs and benefits for nearly 28
million veterans. There are approximately 9 million veterans
classified as ``disabled'' of which nearly 78,000, due to a
spinal cord injury or dysfunction (SCD) are in wheelchairs. The
SCD numbers are increasing at 1,200 to 1,500 a year. This is
due in part to the ``aging'' of the veterans population (9.3
million, 65 or older by the year 2000) and its associated
medical problems. In this era of decreasing budgets and
healthcare reform, the VA is constantly seeking resources and
innovative programs to provide for adequate healthcare and
improved quality of life.
It is a well documented fact that outdoor activities for
people with disabilities are more than just recreation, they
are therapeutic. They add an intangible quality to life and
personal well being. The opportunity to have access to outdoor
facilities/programs is a powerful form of proactive
rehabilitation which emphasizes outpatient vice inpatient
healthcare.
An invaluable source of ``volunteer'' support and resources
for assistance on this issue are the national service and
military organizations (i.e., Paralyzed Veterans of America,
Inc., Marine Corps League, Vietnam Veterans Institute, American
Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Jewish War Veterans of the
United States, Association of the United States Army, Navy
League of the United States, Air Force Association, AMVETS,
etc.).
There are also numerous sporting industry and public-
private sporting organizations which are already assisting in
other disabled outdoor projects (The Wheelin' Sportsmen of
America, Inc., National Shooting Sports Foundation, Coalition
to Promote Accessible Outdoor Recreation, Haas Outdoors Inc.,
Savage Arms, Inc., National Wheelchair Shooting Sports
Federation, Safari Club International, Fishing has no
boundaries, Inc., Ducks Unlimited, The Congressional
Sportsmen's Foundation, Buckmasters, etc.).
Summary
In closing I would like to thank all the individuals and
organizations across the country who have worked so hard in
support of disabled sportsmen.
My involvement with disabled sportsmen, specifically our
disabled veterans has been a deeply rewarding and satisfying
experience. When I have put the call out for volunteers to help
with our program at Quantico the response has always been
nothing less than overwhelming. I am confident that such
support will continue.
Thank you for allowing me to be here today. I am eagerly
standing by to assist in any manner I can. SEMPER FI!
------
Statement of H. Larry Gerlach, Lt.Col. USMC (Ret.)
Thank you, Chairman Saxton for inviting me to testify today
on H.R. 2760, the Disabled Sportsmen's Access Act. I come
before the Subcommittee today as veteran with spinal cord
injury who has been able to enjoy the outdoors and hunt deer
and turkey for the past three years as result of the great
disabled sportsmen's access program at Marine Corps Base
Quantico. The Quantico program can and should serve as the
model for the implementation of H.R. 2760. It shouldn't be
exactly replicated on every installation but can be used as a
guide and adapted to the local community. I thank the
Subcommittee for taking the time to consider this bill and I
thank Representatives Cunningham and Tanner for sponsoring it.
As a sportsman who loves fishing and hunting or just to be
afield or afloat, I have a vested interest in this Act and
program, and although I wouldn't presume to speak for all the
disabled, veterans or not, I know a large number of them would
benefit from this Bill which would enable many of them to add
to their quality of life. The inclusion of the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs in a consultation role along with national
service, military, and veterans organizations and sporting
organizations in the private sector is significant and adds
much to the Bill. The Department of Veterans Affairs is a main
provider of services to disabled veterans and is the recognized
leader in service to those with spinal cord injury. This should
provide another avenue for the VA in their dedicated effort to
provide for their customers, the veterans. I know from the time
I spent in the hospital, which was the better part of 1984,
having a program such as this would add a welcome dimension to
the VA's ongoing efforts to help those who have suffered a
catastrophic injury return to a full life, or the closest they
can come to it.
The program at Quantico has clearly shown the advantages of
including volunteers, veterans organizations and sporting
organizations in the program and is clearly in step with the
Nation's tradition of volunteerism.
My friend Lt. Col. Lew Deal, Executive Officer of Weapons
Training Battalion, Quantico who is here today, has in his
volunteer capacity been one of the prime leaders in this
program. Since the summer of 1994, wheelchair accessible stands
have been built and placed in the woods of Quantico. Terry
Labar, another former Marine who works at the FBI Academy and
uses a wheelchair to get around, and Tim Stamps, head of the
fish, game and agronomy section at the base were also highly
involved in this effort. The PVA donated $500 and Smitty's
Hardware Store in Stafford County matched that amount in free
lumber. Volunteers built the stands, which have been increased
and improved upon every year since. They also act as hunting
partners for the disabled hunters and if they aren't also
enjoying themselves, they've fooling me. Some have even
indicated to me it adds to their quality of life.
The beauty of this program is it fits hand in glove with on
going efforts to improve outdoor recreational activities
consistent with DOD quality of life program and it includes the
disabled with minimal cost. Additionally it doesn't detract
from the mission of defending our republic and it fact may add
to the intangible by demonstrating to those currently serving
on active duty that the uniformed Services do take care of
their own.
In closing, I would like to thank all who have been
involved in the disabled sportsmen's access program at MCB
Quantico. The disabled who have been able to take advantage of
the program appreciate the individuals who have generously
invested extensive effort and time in this successful
operation. I also thank you Members of Congress for your time
and effort in considering this Bill. I feel sure that after
these hearings, you will not find it difficult to write a
favorable report. Of course, you know that is what I hope you
will decide. Regardless, God Bless you and the United States Of
America.
------
Statement of Harley Thomas, Associate Legislative Director, Paralyzed
Veterans of America
Chairman Saxton and Members of the Subcommittee, on behalf
of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) it is an honor to
participate in today's hearing. PVA appreciates this
opportunity to express our views on the ``Disabled Sportsmen's
Access Act.''
PARTICIPATION IN SPORTS FACILITATES REHABILITATION
Over fifty years ago the original founders of the Paralyzed
Veterans of America, (PVA) came together in a united front to
advocate participation in organized sports as an enhancement to
rehabilitation. Veterans suffering traumatic spinal cord injury
began playing wheelchair basketball and discovered they didn't
have to be spectators, they could participate and in doing so,
enhance their quality of life.
Today some fifty-one years later, PVA continues to support
and promote organized wheelchair sports for disabled veterans.
Together with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the annual
Veterans Wheelchair Games, brings together over 500 of the best
wheelchair athletes in the nation for organized competition.
This is the largest organized wheelchair-sporting event in the
world. Although the veterans wheelchair games is a true success
story, it only accommodates a small number of the over 78,000
disabled veterans suffering from traumatic spinal cord injury
or dysfunction, and a mere fraction of the estimated 9,000,000
veterans classified as disabled.
PVA launched the annual U.S. Open Bass Tournament for
disabled anglers in 1987. This event was expanded into the
``Bass Trail'' which consists of 5 to 6 events annually, in
1994. Each of these exciting events held at various locations
around the country, draws between 70-75 disabled anglers.
In 1988, PVA launched a Trap Shoot for disabled
individuals. This event has prospered over the years and this
vear was expanded to five different locations. Each of these
events draws from 60-75 participants. The rules for disabled
trap shooting are the same as for able-bodied individuals.
OUTDOOR RECREATION NUMBER ONE
Outdoor recreational facilities and opportunities are
extremely important to veterans and all individuals with
disabilities. In a 1996 survey conducted by PVA, we found that
the number one recreational activity for our members was
fishing, followed closely by hunting and all other outdoor
recreational activities in general. Unfortunately the numbers
of accessible outdoor recreational facilities are extremely
limited. Many local municipalities simply do not have the funds
available to provide adequate outdoor recreation facilities.
The Marine base at Quantico, Virginia has taken steps to
ensure accessibility to outdoor recreation facilities by
disabled individuals. This program has been extremely
successful. Former Marine Larry Gerlach says, ``I'm not much of
a spectator sports fan, but I really love hunting and fishing.
It's more fun doing than watching. The program at Quantico,
which allows actual doing, is a godsend. If it can be expanded
nationwide, I know it will be enjoyed by many other handicapped
individuals who can then enjoy the physical and mental pleasure
it offers.''
This program needs to be expanded nation-wide to all
military installations, providing maximum availability of
quality outdoor recreation facilities to disabled veterans and
other, with disabilities.
The enactment of H.R. 2760 can provide a solution to this
problem. Most military bases have ongoing outdoor recreation
facilities to include fishing, hunting, boating, camping, and
many other desirable activities. The Department of Defense is
already required to provide access for qualified individuals
with disabilities in all of its programs, by virtue of Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (38 CFR sections 15.149-
150 (1997)). However, full implementation has been hampered by
lack of resources. The ability to use volunteers and donations
to make recreation areas accessible will greatly increase the
implementation of these existing regulations.
By making these facilities accessible to disabled veterans,
military dependents and other persons with disabilities, they
would have access to the over 30,000,000 acres, much of which
is prime hunting grounds. Utilization of these facilities can
enrich the quality of life for many disabled individuals.
Through the use of volunteers and donations of time and
materials, costs associated with converting existing outdoor
activities to accommodate disabled individuals will be minimal.
PVA has a staff of expert architects that are leaders in the
field of disability and ADA standards. PVA would be happy to
provide technical assistance to any military installation
interested in providing accessible outdoor recreation
facilities to the disabled community.
PVA would like to extend a special ``thank you'' to
Congressman ``Duke'' Cunningham for his introduction of this
vital piece of legislation and the positive impact it will have
on the disabled community.
Mr. Chairman, PVA urges the passage of H.R. 2760. Thank you
for holding this important hearing, it shows your concern for
the needs of disabled veterans. Mr. Chairman this concludes my
testimony. I will be happy to respond to any questions you or
members of the Committee may have.
Curriculum Vitae of Harley Thomas
Harley is a veteran of twenty years military service in the
United States Navy. During his military career, he spent a tour
in Japan and Vietnam with Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron One
(VQ1).
In 1968, Harley served aboard the USS Piedmont in support
of fleet operations in Vietnam. Harley spent his final tour in
the service with the Defense Communications Agency in Reston,
VA, where he retired in February 1976 as a Chief Data
Processing Technician. Following his military career, he worked
in the computer industry as a senior system analyst until 1996.
Harley holds a degree in business from the University of
Virginia. He is currently employed by the Paralyzed Veterans of
America, as an Associate Legislative Director.
Information Required by Rule XI 2(g)(4) of the House of Representatives
Pursuant to Rule XI 2(g)(4) of the House of
Representatives, the following information is provided
regarding Federal grants and contracts.
Fiscal Year 1998
General Services Administration--Preparation and
presentation of seminars regarding implementation of the
Americans With Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101, and
requirements of the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards--
$15,000.
Department of Veterans Affairs--Donated space for veterans'
representation, authorized by 38 U.S.C. Sec. 5902--$243,912*
(as of December 31, 1997).
Court of Veterans Appeals, administered by the Legal
Services Corporation--National Veterans Legal Services
Program--$63,656 (as of December 31, 1997).
Fiscal Year 1997
Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance
Board--Develop illustrations for an Americans With Disabilities
Act, 42 U.S.C. 12101, technical compliance manual--$10,000.
Department of Veterans Affairs--Donated space for veterans'
representation, authorized by 38 U.S.C. Sec. 5902--$975,651.*
Court of Veterans Appeals, administered by the Legal
Services Corporation--National Veterans Legal Services
Program--$238,307.
Fiscal Year 1996
General Services Administration--Preparation and
presentation of seminars regarding implementation and the
Americans With Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101,--
$25,000.
Federal Elections Commission--Survey accessible polling
sites resulting from the enactment of the Voting Access for the
Elderly and Handicapped Act of 1984, Public Law 98-435--
$10,000.
Department of Veterans Affairs--Donated space for veterans'
representation, authorized by 38 U.S.C. Sec. 5902--$897,522.*
Court of Veterans Appeals, administered by the Legal
Services Corporation--National Veterans Legal Services
Program--$200,965.
----------
*This space is authorized by 38 U.S.C. Sec. 5902. These figures
are estimates derived by calculating square footage and
associated utilities costs. It is our belief that this space
does not constitute a Federal grant or contract, but is
included only for the convenience of the Committee.
------
Statement of Jack Fasciana, Safari Club International
Mr. Chairman and distinguished members of the Committee,
thank you for granting me the opportunity to speak today.
I am here to speak in support of H.R. 2760 the ``Disabled
Sportsmen's Access Act.''
I am speaking to you from my prospective as a disabled
American sportsman who has been fortunate enough to enjoy
adventures in our beautiful outdoors. My achievements have been
recognized by Safari Club International and I was the first
recipient last January of SCI's Special Young Hunter Award.
My disability results from the fact that I have an
extremely rare progressive neuro-muscular disorder called
dystonia which significantly limits my ability to walk and us
my hands and arms.
Federal lands are part of America's heritage and part of
its living legacy to all its citizens, including disabled
sportsmen.
H.R. 2760 allows a partnership between the Department of
Defense and the private sector so that they can join forces to
make these Federal lands accessible to people like me. Safari
Club International, which has been a leader in providing
opportunities to disabled hunters, is an example of a private
sector organization that will be an effective partner.
The United States leads the nations of the world in making
all aspects of life accessible to its disabled citizens.
The pilot program at the Quantico Marine Corps Base
demonstrates that this concept can work well.
I know I am disabled and I know the consequences of my
disability. The dedication of my family, especially the
dedication and sacrifices of my dad have given me the
opportunity not only to enjoy the outdoors but to demonstrate
to myself and to my peers that my disability is only an
obstacle to be overcome not a barrier to participation.
The Disabled Sportsmen's Access Act will make it easier for
many disabled Americans to overcome these obstacle and to
experience the adventures that I have experienced.
I hope you will vote in favor of this legislation and I
again offer to you my profound thanks for granting me the
opportunity to address the Committee this morning.
------
Statement of the National Rifle Association of America
The National Rifle Association of America (NRA) would like
to take this opportunity to express our enthusiastic support
for H.R. 2760. This bill is designed to encourage the
Department of Defense to provide military installations the
support needed to make their public outdoor recreation programs
accessible to all Americans with disabilities.
H.R. 2760 will extend to military installations the legacy
established by many public and private organizations that have
successfully operated thousands of hunts and shooting events
for citizens with disabilities for almost five decades. To
ensure that the full range of outdoor recreation programs is
included, we recommend that the bill be amended to add
recreational and competitive shooting to the activities listed
in the bill as falling within the meaning of ``outdoor
recreation opportunities.''
The NRA recognized the importance of including sportsmen
and women with disabilities in its hunting and shooting events
as early as 1950, which was a full forty years before the
passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It was in that
year that NRA amended its Competitions Rulebook to allow
shooting sports competitors with disabilities the opportunity
to participate on equal terms with their able-bodied
counterparts. As a result, competitors with disabilities have
won numerous national, state and regional shooting competition
titles.
Since World War II, many organizations have created
hunting, fishing and shooting opportunities for citizens with
disabilities. A number of these opportunities have been offered
on military lands such as the hunts conducted by the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers in which a large percentage of disabled
veterans have participated. According to state departments of
natural resources that permit sportsmen with mobility
impairments to hunt from a motor vehicle, or with a crossbow,
there are already over 50,000 disabled veterans and other
citizens being served. The pilot programs for serving this
population were started many years ago when states began
offering disabled veterans free, or reduced, hunting and
fishing licenses.
A national Disabled Shooting Services office was created by
the NRA seven years ago specifically to serve this unique
population by providing adaptive equipment design, helping to
solve disability-related shooting function problems, and
addressing accessibility issues and medical considerations.
This office annually responds to over thirty-five hundred calls
and letters for guidance. We are proud to say that many of the
pioneering disabled hunting and shooting organizations received
assistance and guidance from the NRA in the early stages of
their development and, as a result, are better equipped to
serve our growing populations with disabilities.
The Manager of the NRA's Disabled Shooting Services is an
expert in the field of disability-related hunting and shooting
issues. He presently serves as Chairman of the Shooting Sports
for the International Paralympic Committee and is head coach of
the U.S. Disabled Shooting Team. This NRA-supported team of
disabled marksmen and women travel the world representing the
U.S. in international shooting competitions. During the past
ten years the team has won 214 medals, and set seven World and
sixteen Pan-American records for our nation.
We feel that military support for sportsmen and women with
disabilities, through passage of H.R. 2760, will be a fitting
addition to the hunting and shooting opportunities that are
already being provided for disabled veterans and other citizens
on military, state and private lands.
We would like to make another suggestion with respect to
this legislation. If the number of military installations that
are willing to make their hunting and shooting opportunities
wheelchair accessible should reach a level requiring a director
of a military-wide program, we suggest that the Department of
Defense select one of the many fine Paralyzed Veterans of
America sports directors to the post. The choice of a disabled
veteran will visibly demonstrate the military's commitment to
making outdoor recreation accessible to the disabled and will
reflect well in the eyes of all Americans.
Thank you for this opportunity to comment on H.R. 2760.
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