[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 46 (Friday, March 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E548]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      PAYING TRIBUTE TO GARY OSIER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 20, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
pay tribute to Gary Osier of Rifle, Colorado for his contributions to 
the health of our Nation's forests as a ranger in the United States 
Forest Service. Gary has lived and worked in Colorado for over twenty 
years and, as he celebrates his retirement, I would like to rise before 
you today to thank Gary for his service before this body of Congress 
and this Nation.
  Gary studied forestry under the GI Bill and first accepted a U.S. 
Forest Service assignment in North Dakota. Spending thirty-two years in 
the Forest Service, he clearly made a home as Rifle's assistant 
district ranger. He became an official specialist in forest minerals 
and an unofficial historian in local Forest Service history. Throughout 
his career, Gary never shied away from difficult issues as a charter 
member of the Northwest Colorado Oil and Gas Forum.
  Though Gary may be retiring from the Forest Service, he will continue 
his involvement in issues vital to Colorado. Based out of Rifle, Gary 
and his wife Mary will supply potable water during fire season to 
active fire camps on national forest lands from Arizona to Wyoming. 
Filling a need that became evident last summer during the worst fire 
season in Colorado history, Gary's company, H2Osiers, will also supply 
water to municipalities and other entities on a case-by-case basis.
  Mr. Speaker, Gary Osier has served as a steward of this country's 
forests for over thirty years. The pride and enthusiasm of foresters 
like Gary are vital to the important role of the Forest Service. Today 
I stand before this body of Congress and this nation to recognize one 
of the Forest Service's best. Gary's dedication to serving the forests 
and communities of the West is a credit to himself and to Colorado. I 
thank him for his service.

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