WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following President Obama's designation of five new national monuments on Monday, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar is continuing to travel to each of the states to celebrate with local officials and community stakeholders who have worked to secure recognition for these national crown jewels. Over the coming days, Secretary Salazar will travel to New Mexico, Washington State, and Ohio.
“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 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.
NEW MEXICO: Saturday, March 30 - Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
Secretary Salazar 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.
WHO
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar
Principal Deputy Director of the BLM Neil Kornze
Former Senator Jeff Bingaman
Senator Martin Heinrich
Congressman Ben Ray Lujan
Local officials and community stakeholders
WHEN
Saturday, March 30, 2013 @ 11 a.m. MDT
WHERE
Community Room – Taos Mesa Brewing 20 ABC Mesa Road Taos, NM 87571
MEDIA
The event is open to the public. Pvress and media are encouraged to RSVP to Jessica Kershaw (jessica_kershaw@ios.doi.gov)
WASHINGTON STATE: Monday, April 1 - San Juan Islands National Monument
Secretary Salazar will join San Juan Island residents, local officials and stakeholders to celebrate the San Juan Islands National Monument in Washington. The new monument is a chain of 450 islands, rocks and pinnacles and home to bald eagles, harbor seals, orca whales and other rare species. The San Juan Islands provide many opportunities for visitors, campers, kayakers and birdwatchers to experience the natural beauty of the undeveloped rugged landscape.
WHO
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar Principal Deputy Director of the BLM Neil Kornze Senator Maria Cantwell Congressman Rick Larsen Local officials and community stakeholders
WHEN
Monday, April 1, 2013 10:00 a.m. PDT
WHERE
Anacortes Senior Center – Great Room 1701 22nd Street Anacortes, WA 98221
MEDIA
The event is open to the public. Press and media are encouraged to RSVP to Jessica Kershaw (jessica_kershaw@ios.doi.gov)
OHIO: Tuesday, April 2 - Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument
Secretary Salazar 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. The national headquarters of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, of which Col. Young was a member, made the property available for acquisition by the federal government for the purpose of commemorating Young's life and accomplishments.
WHO
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar
National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis
Former National Park Service Director, Senior Adviser and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Brother Robert Stanton
Neil Mulholland, President & CEO of the National Park Foundation
Local officials and community stakeholders
WHEN/WHERE
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
12:15pm EDT
Tour, Media Availability
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument
1120 US Route 42 East
Wilberforce, OH 45384
1:00pm EDT
Celebration and Ceremony
National Afro-American Museum, Central State University
1350 Brush Row Road
Wilberforce, OH
RSVP
The ceremony is open to the public. This event is OPEN PRESS, but space is limited for the tour. Media are encouraged to RSVP with the NAME, MEDIA OUTLET, PHONE and EMAIL for each person planning to cover the event to jessica_kershaw@ios.doi.gov by Monday, April 1 at 5:00pm EDT.
Source: Department of Interior
