[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 165 (Friday, November 19, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2465]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF STEWARDSHIP EDUCATION, RECREATION, AND VOLUNTEERS FOR 
                THE ENVIRONMENT (``SERVE'') ACT OF 1999

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 1999

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, together with my colleague and 
cousin, Mr. Udall of New Mexico, I am introducing a bill to encourage 
greater cooperation between the public--especially young people--and 
the federal government to enhance the stewardship of the natural and 
cultural resources of the federal lands and the recreational, 
educational, and other experiences they provide for so many people.
  The bill is called the Stewardship Education, Recreation, and 
Volunteers for the Environment Act--the ``SERVE Act'' for short.
  Mr. Speaker, this bill reflects the joint effort of my office and 
that of my cousin and colleague, Mr. Udall of New Mexico. It is truly a 
Udall-Udall bill, and it's only at my cousin's suggestion that my name 
is listed first--for once, I decided to accept one of his ideas.
  Mr. Speaker, the lands that belong to the American people--the 
National Parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, recreation areas, 
and the lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management--are enjoyed by 
literally millions upon million of visitors each year. People visit 
them for sightseeing, wildlife watching, hunting, fishing, hiking, and 
camping opportunities.
  In Colorado alone visitors can experience a wide range of outdoor 
recreation and education opportunities. From the isolated tundra and 
towering peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park to the city-surrounded 
greenery of the Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge, to the sparkling 
mesas and sandstone arches of BLM lands on the western slope and all 
the wonderful areas in between, we are blessed with an incomparable 
heritage that we gladly share with people from across the country and 
around the world.
  But the visitors often don't realize how much they owe to the efforts 
of the many volunteers who have selflessly given their time and 
expertise to help the professional personnel of the land-managing 
agencies. Without the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm of these 
volunteers, it would be impossible for the Federal agencies to come as 
close as they do to meet the demands for adequate maintenance and sound 
management of these lands.
  We think it's in the national interest to properly recognize their 
contributions, and our bill is intended to do that. It's also intended 
to provide greater authority for the land-managing agencies to 
cooperate with volunteers, and to encourage those agencies to reach out 
to young people to help them learn about the resources and values of 
the federal lands as well as about the importance of proper stewardship 
of those resources and values and the opportunities for careers with 
agencies concerned with the management of natural or cultural 
resources.
  There were some efforts along these lines in the past. Some of the 
land-managing agencies have been given authority to recruit and 
recognize individuals who donated their energy, time and expertise to 
enhance our federal and public lands for all Americans to enjoy. 
However, there is more that can and should be done.
  Our bill would direct the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary 
of the Interior to establish a national stewardship award program to 
recognize and honor individuals, organizations and communities who have 
distinguished themselves by volunteering their time, energy and 
commitment to enhancing the Nation's parks, forest refuges and other 
public lands.
  As a minimum, the program would include a system of special passes 
for free admission to and use of federal lands that would be awarded to 
recognize volunteers for their contributions.
  The bill would also encourage an attitude of stewardship and 
responsibility towards public lands by promoting the participation of 
individuals, organizations and communities in developing and fostering 
a conservation ethic towards the lands, facilities and the natural and 
cultural resources. Specifically, it calls on the Federal land managing 
agencies to enter into cooperative agreement with academic 
institutions, State or local government agencies or any partnership 
organization. In addition, the Secretaries would be enabled to provide 
matching funds to match non-Federal funds, services or materials 
donated under the cooperative agreement.
  Further, the bill encourages each Federal land management agency to 
cooperate with States, local school districts and other entities to (1) 
promote participation by students and other young people in volunteer 
programs of the Federal land management agencies, (2) promote a greater 
understanding of our Nation's natural and cultural resources, and (3) 
to provide information and assistance to other agencies and 
organizations concerned with the wise use and management of our 
Nation's natural and cultural resources.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have this opportunity to extend my own 
appreciation to the federal land managing agencies and the many 
volunteers who assist them. The point of this bill is to extend that 
recognition on a formal and national basis, and to build on the sound 
foundation that they have laid. I hope we can send it to the President 
for signing into law soon after we reconvene next year.

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