[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 152 (Tuesday, November 4, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2171-E2172]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING GREG LAIS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF WILDERNESS INQUIRY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BRUCE F. VENTO

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 4, 1997

  Mr. VENTO. Mr. Speaker, on October 22 I had the pleasure of hosting 
the signing event that celebrated the establishment of a general 
framework of cooperation--a memorandum of understanding--between the 
Federal land management agencies and a private entity; Wilderness 
Inquiry. These agreements have a positive goal of increasing 
opportunities for people of all abilities to get out and enjoy 
America's public lands. I was joined by Chairman Jim Hansen and a 
number of representatives of Federal agencies who have dedicated their 
work to increasing access to our Nation's special places for all 
Americans. None of this would have been possible without the 
extraordinary efforts of a extraordinary Minnesotan, Greg Lais.
  Since 1978, Wilderness Inquiry has served 30,000 people of all 
abilities on trips throughout North America, Europe and Australia. Greg 
Lais observes, ``Meeting new friends, exploring wilderness areas, and 
participating in exciting outdoor activities is what Wilderness Inquiry 
is all about. Be prepared to step out of your normal routine and enter 
a world where time is measured by the sun and movement governed by wind 
and weather.''

[[Page E2172]]

  ``In addition to having fun,'' Lais continues, ``you'll have the 
opportunity to learn about a variety of topics, including the history 
and ecology of the areas you travel. And, since Wilderness Inquiry 
strives to include a diverse group of participants--including persons 
with disabilities--it's likely that you'll learn a bit about other 
people--and yourself--in the process.''
  With the signing of a memorandum of understanding [MOU] between 
Wilderness Inquiry and the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park 
Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
the Bureau of Reclamation, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, more 
people will have the wealth of opportunities observed as our American 
experience and legacy. Wilderness Inquiry's expertise in service 
delivery will surely help the agencies achieve the goal of providing 
outdoor recreation programs and services that are accessible to all 
Americans. And Wilderness Inquiry's expertise is readily apparent: more 
than half of the people Wilderness Inquiry serve have physical, 
cognitive or emotional disabilities. Indeed, when a person with a 
disability calls Wilderness Inquiry and expresses a desire to 
experience the outdoors, Greg Lais and his talented staff figure out 
how to do it--not why it can't and shouldn't be done.
  Wilderness Inquiry's program focus of integrating people from diverse 
backgrounds and ability levels has proven effective at fostering 
dignity, independence, and social integration. A lot of positive steps 
have already been taken. In 1991 Wilderness Inquiry completed a study 
on behalf of the National Council on Disability to determine the 
ability of people with disabilities to enjoy wilderness. That study 
came forward with a number of recommendations, many of which are 
currently being implemented. These includes suggestions and programs 
for training Federal employees, guidelines for policy implementation, 
and recommendations for service providers.
  But much more remains to be done, and that is what this special 
agreement between Wilderness Inquiry and the Federal land managers is 
focused upon. It signals a Federal agency commitment to making our 
public lands accessible so that all Americans appreciate our rich 
natural and cultural heritage. The benefits to all Americans will be 
great. Customers will be better served and more satisfied, awareness of 
our great outdoors will be enhanced, and we will be on the road to 
achieving equal access to the comprehensive civil rights for persons 
with disabilities included in the Americans With Disabilities Act.
  That is why I rise today to pay tribute to Greg Lais, a person who 
embodies the spirit of serving the public that makes this Minnesotans 
such a special person. His organization is doing good work, and for 
that I believe he deserves the respect and thanks of this House, this 
Congress, and the American people.

                          ____________________