[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 169 (Thursday, November 20, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2345]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     PAYING TRIBUTE TO GREAT SAND DUNES' OUTDOOR EDUCATION PROGRAM

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                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to honor the 
Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado for its award-winning 
Outdoor Education Program. Recently, the Colorado Alliance for 
Environmental Education awarded the Great Sand Dunes with the 
Governmental Environmental Education Award for Excellence for 2003. The 
Outdoor Education Program is an excellent source of information and 
entertainment for all who enjoy nature and have an interest in 
wildlife. I would like to join my colleagues here today in recognizing 
the tremendous service provided to the Colorado community by the Great 
Sand Dunes Outdoor Education Program.
   The Great Sand Dunes have offered education programs for almost 
twenty years. Staff members and volunteers enthusiastically provide 
research and expertise for service-learning projects, field trips, 
outreach events and workshops that encourage environmental awareness in 
the community. The educational program works in conjunction with the 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service and the Nature 
Conservancy, in order to provide students and instructors with the 
latest and most accurate information.
   Mr. Speaker, the Great Sand Dunes Outdoor Education Program is an 
exciting and instructional educational tool for the Colorado community. 
This program has shown extraordinary dedication to teaching adults and 
children about the environment and conservation. It is my great honor 
today to recognize the devotion and commitment of those involved with 
the program. Congratulations on a well deserved award.

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