BLM, disabled reach deal

By {screen_name}
Thursday, April 14, 2011

The Bureau of Land Management and Disabled Sports USA have reached an agreement to encourage wounded veterans and disabled people to use public lands.

The agreement creates a framework for programs and activities designed to increase the recreational use of public lands by disabled veterans and others.

“The long-term relationship the BLM and Disabled Sports USA established today will cultivate dialogue, generate ideas, and enhance access for persons with disabilities to outdoor activities on BLM-managed lands,” bureau Director Bob Abbey said.

The MOU also is intended to aims to increase the participation of America’s wounded and disabled veterans and others with disabilities in the BLM’s public land-use planning process.

The special equipment or instruction needed by disabled people often made getting recreational permits difficult, Sen. Mark Udall, D-Colo., said.  “I’m pleased the Bureau of Land Management has started a process to allow disabled users to get increased access to recreate on public lands.”