[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 165 (Friday, November 19, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2476]
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. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 1999

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of the 
Stewardship, Education, Recreation and Volunteer (SERVE) Act of 1999. 
This legislation, introduced by my colleague and cousin, Mr. Udall of 
Colorado and which I am proud to be a co-sponsor of, will energize and 
expand existing efforts to enhance the outdoor, education and 
recreation experiences of the great outdoors for many Americans.
  Our Nation's national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, 
recreation areas and public lands are enjoyed by nearly two billion 
visits each year. These wonderful areas provide Americans with 
sightseeing, wildlife watching, hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping 
opportunities, just to name a few. In my District alone, visitors can 
experience a wide range of education and outdoor recreation 
opportunities. From the Chaco Culture National Historical Park, which 
provides Americans a brief glimpse into the daily life of the region's 
first inhabitants, to the Bureau of Land Management's Bisti/De-Na-Zin 
Wilderness with its dramatic moon like landscape, to the high country 
mountains and streams of the Santa Fe National Forest that provide 
excellent hunting, fishing and camping opportunities.
  Visitors to our Nation's public lands often don't realize that behind 
the scenes of these magnificent natural and historical areas that 
visitors have come to see and learn about, are a cadre of volunteers 
who have selflessly given their time and expertise to the American 
people to make their experiences memorable. For without the hard work, 
dedication and enthusiasm of the volunteers, Federal land management 
agencies would not be able to stay ahead of the maintenance and 
enhancements our national treasures require.
  In the 1980's, a program was established to encourage Americans to 
become more involved in the management and protection of their lands 
for current and future generations. By all accounts, this program 
showed promise. Federal land management agencies such as the National 
Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service were given a long needed tool to recruit and 
recognize individuals who donated their energy, time and expertise to 
enhance our federal and public lands for all Americans to enjoy.
  Unfortunately, other priorities and funding issues have placed this 
program on the back burner. It is now time to revitalize, re-energize 
and expand our Nation's volunteer and educational outreach program.
  Mr. Speaker, this legislation would not only restore a past volunteer 
program, but expand and strengthen it by providing more powerful tools 
to Federal land managing agencies. This legislation would direct the 
Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to establish 
a national stewardship award program to recognize individuals, 
organizations and communities who have distinguished themselves by 
volunteering their time, energy and commitment to enhancing the 
priceless legacy of our Nation's public lands. As a minimum under this 
legislation, the Secretaries would establish a special pass to all our 
national parks, forests, refuges and other public lands to recognize 
volunteers for their exemplary efforts.
  Mr. Speaker, this legislation would also encourage an attitude of 
land and resource 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 our natural and cultural resources. 
Specifically, this legislation would encourage Federal land management 
agencies to enter into cooperative agreements 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 these cooperative agreements.
  Providing educational opportunities has been one of America's 
greatest achievements and is one of the greatest gifts one generation 
can give to the next generation. This legislation encourages each 
Federal land management agency to play a role in education by 
cooperating with States, local school districts and other education 
oriented entities to (1) promote participation by students and others 
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 Great Outdoors and its natural and cultural resources.
  Mr. Speaker, I am confident that this chamber realizes the importance 
of this bill in recognizing the invaluable role volunteers play in the 
stewardship of our Nation's cultural and natural resources. Therefore, 
I ask immediate consideration and passage of this bill.

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