WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following President Obama's designation of five new national monuments today, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar will travel to each of the sites over the coming days to celebrate with local officials and community stakeholders who have worked to secure recognition for these national crown jewels.
“The monuments will help tell the story of significant people and extraordinary events in American history, as well as preserve natural resources for the enjoyment of generations to come,” said Salazar. “The designations will serve as economic engines for the local communities through increased tourism and outdoor recreation and were made with bipartisan support from state and local officials, local businesses and other stakeholders.”
The National Park Service's (NPS) annual peer-reviewed report found that visitors to our national parks generated $30.1 billion in economic activity and supported 252,000 jobs nationwide in 2011. Outdoor recreation is also an economic powerhouse in the United States, each year generating $646 billion in consumer spending and 6.1 million direct jobs, according to the Outdoor Industry Association.
Tuesday, March 26: Delaware
Secretary Salazar, Vice President Biden, and NPS Director Jonathan B. Jarvis will join local officials and stakeholders to celebrate the First State National Monument in New Castle, Delaware. The monument will tell the story of the early Dutch, Swedish, Finnish and English settlement of the colony of Delaware, as well as Delaware's role as the first state to ratify the Constitution.
Wednesday, March 27: Maryland
Secretary Salazar and NPS Director Jarvis will join local officials and stakeholders to celebrate the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument on Maryland's Eastern Shore. The monument commemorates the life of the most famous conductor on the Underground Railroad who was responsible for helping enslaved people escape from bondage to freedom.
Saturday, March 30: New Mexico
Secretary Salazar and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Principal Deputy Director Neil Kornze will join local officials and stakeholders to celebrate the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in northern New Mexico. The monument contains stretches of the Rio Grande Gorge and extinct volcanoes that rise from the Taos Plateau. The area is known for its spectacular landscapes and recreational opportunities – like rafting, fishing and hiking – and serves as important habitat for many birds and wildlife.
Monday, April 1: Washington State
Secretary Salazar and BLM Principal Deputy Director Neil Kornze will join local officials and stakeholders to celebrate the San Juan Islands National Monument in Washington. The monument is home to bald eagles, orca whales, harbor seals and other rare species. The San Juan Islands is a chain of 450 islands, rock and pinnacles that provide an opportunity for visitors, campers, kayakers and birdwatchers to experience the natural beauty of the undeveloped rugged landscape.
Tuesday, April 2: Ohio
Secretary Salazar and NPS Director Jarvis will join local officials and stakeholders to celebrate the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument in Wilberforce, Ohio. The monument will preserve the home of Colonel Charles Young, a distinguished officer in the United States Army who was the third African American to graduate from West Point and the first to achieve the rank of Colonel.
Event #1 – First State National Monument in Delaware
WHO:
Vice President Joe Biden
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar
U.S. Senator Tom Carper
National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis
New Castle Mayor Donald Reese
Local officials and community stakeholders
WHAT:
First State National Monument Celebration
WHEN:
Tuesday, March 26, 2013 @ 2:30 p.m. EDT
WHERE:
The Sheriff's House
Market Street between Delaware and Harmony Streets
New Castle, Delaware 19720
Media Entrance: Corner of Delaware and 2nd Street
Live Truck Parking: 2nd Street between Delaware and Harmony Streets
General Media Parking: Street parking is available within 4-5 blocks of the event.
DETAILS:
Cable Run: 150 feet
Throw: 30 feet
NOTE:
Limited power and workspace will be provided. Internet access will not be available.
RSVP:
This event is OPEN PRESS, but space is limited. Media must RSVP with the NAME, POSITION (Reporter, TV Camera, Photographer, etc.) MEDIA OUTLET, PHONE and EMAIL for each person planning to cover the event to press@ovp.eop.gov by TODAY, Monday, March 25, 2013, at 5:00 PM. Media receiving credentials to cover the remarks will receive a confirmation email of their RSVP. At the event, you will be required to wear your outlet's media credential at all times, either around the neck or pinned to clothing.
Event #2 – Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument in Maryland
WHO:
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar
National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis
Patricia Ross Hawkins, Tubman descendant
Bob Stanton, senior advisor to the Secretary and former National Park Service Director
Local officials and community stakeholders
WHAT:
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument Celebration
WHEN:
Wednesday, March 26, 2013
10:30 a.m. EDT (guest check-in)
11:00 a.m. EDT (ceremony)
11:45 a.m. EDT (media availability)
WHERE:
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
2145 Key Wallace Drive
Cambridge, MD 21613
Note: Parking is not available at the Visitor Center. Parking and shuttle service will be provided from the Blackwater maintenance compound located at:
2430 Key Wallace Drive
Cambridge, MD 21613
MEDIA:
The event is open press and media are encouraged to RSVP to Jessica Kershaw (jessica_kershaw@ios.doi.gov) by Tuesday, March 26, 2013, at 5:30 PM. Additional details for the events in New Mexico, Washington and Ohio will be provided later in the week.
Source: Department of Interior
