The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“RECOGNIZING WILDERNESS INQUIRY'S FORTY YEARS OF OUTDOOR EXPLORATION AND INCLUSION” mentioning the Department of Interior was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E602 on May 8, 2018.
The Department oversees more than 500 million acres of land. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the department has contributed to a growing water crisis and holds many lands which could be better managed.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING WILDERNESS INQUIRY'S FORTY YEARS OF OUTDOOR EXPLORATION AND
INCLUSION
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HON. BETTY McCOLLUM
of minnesota
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Wilderness Inquiry as it begins a year of celebration of its 40th anniversary with a May 7th celebration in the Minnesota State Capitol rotunda. A Minnesota nonprofit, Wilderness Inquiry is a national treasure, serving as a portal to the natural wonder around us--from right in our backyard to across the globe. During its first 40 years, Wilderness Inquiry has provided outdoor adventures for more than half-a-million people of all ages, backgrounds and physical abilities, Their work is defined by the understanding that our natural world belongs to all of us, and we can all enjoy and benefit from time shared together in the great outdoors.
A lifelong passion for the outdoors led two new 1978 college graduates named Greg Lais and Paul Schurke to be trailblazers in organizing expeditions for all. The success of an earlier week-long trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness with a group of people with a variety of physical abilities served as inspiration for a bold new nonprofit that could offer true wilderness adventures to everyone. ``Wilderness Inquiry'' was born, and under Greg's ongoing leadership, has grown to offer an incredible assortment of trips, both around the nation and across the world, that welcome people from all walks of life and all abilities. Whether it's a first canoeing trip down a local river, camping in a national park, or exploring the farthest reaches of the world, Wilderness Inquiry empowers everyone to access adventures. Their amazing team of staff and outdoor leaders create trips that are fun, memorable and life-changing for students, families and business teams alike.
The strength of Wilderness Inquiry is that it doesn't do it alone. Through partnerships with more than 100 organizations, they fulfill their mission to share the outdoors with everyone. I am particularly proud of Wilderness Inquiry's collaboration with U.S. Interior Department agencies like the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on its Canoemobile initiative. This ``floating classroom'' works with urban cities and school districts, countless volunteers and other organizations to bring students from all backgrounds out on waterways around the country in beautiful, hand-
crafted 24-foot Voyageur canoes to learn about science, history, geography and culture.
Braving the wilderness doesn't come naturally to everyone. It takes courage to step outside our comfort zones. Wilderness Inquiry offers the support and opportunity for everyone to make this leap. Through these shared adventures, presumptions are challenged, people grow, and community is strengthened. I can vouch for the fact that these adventures are fun. But the best proof is in the smiling faces of the more than 40,000 people that Wilderness Inquiry serves each year.
It's no surprise that over the years Wilderness Inquiry has received numerous awards in recognition of their unwavering commitment to people with disabilities, underserved youth, outdoor education, and conservation.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in rising to recognize Wilderness Inquiry on their 40th anniversary and commending the passion and dedication of so many volunteers, staff, board members and partners for their efforts in providing outdoor opportunities for all.
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