The Department of the Interior announced plans Oct. 18 to host listening sessions on equity advancements in recreation.
According to the Department, five listening sessions will be held between from Oct. 19 - 27.
“I believe that more people will truly care about our land, air, waters, animals, and outdoor places if they can experience them first hand," DOI Secretary Deb Haaland said in a department press release. "It's up to all of us to make sure that happens in communities across the country. As we work to address inequitable access to the outdoors for communities of color and underserved communities, conversations and listening sessions like these will be crucial as we pursue the creation and stewardship of inclusive spaces that all people can access.”
The listening sessions come after President Joe Biden introduced the 'America the Beautiful' initiative, with the goal of addressing inequitable access to nature.
Executive Order 13985, signed by Biden on his first day in office, directs the federal government to advance equity for individuals who have been marginalized, underserved and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality.
“It is, therefore, the policy of my administration that the federal government should pursue a comprehensive approach to advancing equity for all, including people of color and others who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality," Biden said, according to a press release from the White House. "Affirmatively advancing equity, civil rights, racial justice, and equal opportunity is the responsibility of the whole of our government. Because advancing equity requires a systematic approach to embedding fairness in decision-making processes, executive departments and agencies must recognize and work to redress inequities in their policies and programs that serve as barriers to equal opportunity. “
Individuals can register for the sessions at the DOI website and submit feedback at the Regulations.gov site.
