06-09-2007, 09:10 PM
The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) were recently awarded Federally Assisted Recreation Access Awards from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The two agencies were recognized for their outstanding record of accomplishment and cooperation in providing equal access to federally funded programs, activities and services. MassWildlife Director Wayne MacCallum and DCR's Universal Access Program Director Tom McCarthy were present at the Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference in Mystic, Connecticut, to receive the award from Dr. Richard Bennett, Deputy Northeast Regional Director of the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
DCR was commended for their Universal Access Program (UAP) which offers inclusive recreational opportunities to individuals with differing physical abilities. This program, now in its 12th year has provided instruction to individuals who teach outdoor skills on ways to include individuals with disabilities. MassWildlife was cited for programs accommodating sportsmen and women with disabilities. Noted among these programs was the special deer hunt for paraplegic sportsmen, creation and improvement of accessible fishing ramps; crossbow permitting for bowhunters unable to use conventional archery equipment; and for cooperative efforts between the DCR's UAP program and MassWildlife skills programs. Specifically, the Service acknowledged the training of UAP staff in outdoor skills by MassWildlife personnel; and training of MassWildlife staff in methods of disabilities accommodation by UAP staff.
The Service also noted that in the past two years, MassWildlife has modified and improved access to its Field Headquarters, Hunter Education Building and District offices rendering these facilities accessible. Improvements include installation of an elevator and access deck at the Field Headquarters and the Hunter Education buildings; designated parking areas; and installation of wheelchair accessible restrooms. MassWildlife's outdoor skills programs include Hunter Education, Angler Education and Becoming an Outdoorswoman. Individuals with specific needs are invited contact the agency regarding accommodations at 508/389-6300. For more information regarding the award, contact: George Cortes, Civil Rights Specialist, USFWS Region 5 Office, Hadley at 413-253-8317.
DCR was commended for their Universal Access Program (UAP) which offers inclusive recreational opportunities to individuals with differing physical abilities. This program, now in its 12th year has provided instruction to individuals who teach outdoor skills on ways to include individuals with disabilities. MassWildlife was cited for programs accommodating sportsmen and women with disabilities. Noted among these programs was the special deer hunt for paraplegic sportsmen, creation and improvement of accessible fishing ramps; crossbow permitting for bowhunters unable to use conventional archery equipment; and for cooperative efforts between the DCR's UAP program and MassWildlife skills programs. Specifically, the Service acknowledged the training of UAP staff in outdoor skills by MassWildlife personnel; and training of MassWildlife staff in methods of disabilities accommodation by UAP staff.
The Service also noted that in the past two years, MassWildlife has modified and improved access to its Field Headquarters, Hunter Education Building and District offices rendering these facilities accessible. Improvements include installation of an elevator and access deck at the Field Headquarters and the Hunter Education buildings; designated parking areas; and installation of wheelchair accessible restrooms. MassWildlife's outdoor skills programs include Hunter Education, Angler Education and Becoming an Outdoorswoman. Individuals with specific needs are invited contact the agency regarding accommodations at 508/389-6300. For more information regarding the award, contact: George Cortes, Civil Rights Specialist, USFWS Region 5 Office, Hadley at 413-253-8317.