[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 32 (Thursday, February 27, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E340]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    PAYING TRIBUTE TO LARRY T. WIESE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 27, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise before 
you today to honor Larry Wiese of Mesa Verde, Colorado. Larry is the 
Superintendent of Mesa Verde National Park and I would like to take 
this moment to pay tribute to his leadership, dedication and service to 
the community before this body of Congress and this nation.
  Larry's leadership abilities allowed him to make many key fire 
management decisions which contributed to the timely and proactive 
measures that saved our forests. In 2001, Larry approved an emergency 
aspect for the Chapin Boundary Fuel Break due to seasonal severity, and 
prevented the fire from spreading to the headquarters area of Mesa 
Verde National Park. Additionally, he directed fire operations to 
develop Park Evacuation Plan and performed monthly drills in 2002 
before Long Mesa Fire, while insisting that division chiefs provide 
input to this plan to enable it to be more successful.
  Larry also reviewed and created weekly business oversight review for 
Fire Program Severity expenditures in 2002 season. He approved partial 
park closure, restricting public access to lower Chapin Mesa due to 
extreme fire danger and public safety considerations. In order to 
provide more safety for park visitors, Larry approved construction of a 
12-acre safety zone near headquarters for fire fighter and public 
safety.
  During many fire suppression operations, Larry was an active 
participant. He attended briefings and communicated park priorities 
such as public and fire fighter safety and the protection of cultural 
and historical resources. Larry has proven instrumental in the efforts 
to protect Mesa Verde National Park. While on the job, he has responded 
proactively to severe environmental threats. He also has provided 
leadership and direction to park staff and fire operations throughout 
the most severe fire season in recorded history.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand before this body of Congress and 
this great nation to recognize the honorable leadership of Larry Wiese. 
His proactive steps made the difference in providing for visitor and 
staff safety, in addition to preserving the cultural, historic, and 
natural resources we are responsible to protect. Larry's contributions 
have greatly benefited the people of his community and I am honored to 
have this opportunity to represent such a fine Coloradan. I wish Larry 
the best of luck with all of his future endeavors.

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