WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the heels of yesterday's major speech outlining her conservation vision for the country and unveiling a major youth initiative, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell will travel to Minnesota and California next week to talk about the value of conservation, highlight the economic importance of public lands and the need to connect the next generation to America's great outdoors.
On Tuesday morning, Jewell will visit the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, to underscore the need for Congress to take bipartisan, commonsense steps to provide sustainable budgets that support our nation's land, water and wildlife. The Center is located in the Prairie Pothole region of the country, an area where ranchers and landowners are working to protect the wetlands and vital habitat for the nation's ducks and waterfowl. The Center is a one-of-a-kind partnership between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the local school district to engage students in science, math, language, art and health lessons using real world, field-based learning experiences.
On Tuesday afternoon, Jewell will visit the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge to release a new national report on the economic contributions of the nation's 561 national wildlife refuges to local economies. The study underscores the vital importance of refuges to job creation and economic growth in surrounding communities.
On Thursday, Jewell will be in San Francisco to kick-off her ambitious youth initiative to engage the next generation through education, employment and volunteer opportunities on public lands. In the evening, Jewell will offer remarks at the Commonwealth Club of California on her agenda to strengthen our economy and ensure that we pass along our nation's rich conservation legacy.
On Friday, Jewell is expected to meet with stakeholders and members of the public to hear about the community's vision for the continued protection of Point Arena Stornetta Public Lands, a significant and scenic area along the Mendocino coastline in Northern California. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the area provides many opportunities for outdoor recreation and important wildlife habitat.
Details on Minnesota are below; additional details on the California events will be available in the coming days.
MINNESOTA
Tuesday, November 5
WHO:
Sally Jewell, Secretary of the Interior
Tom Melius, Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Tim Bodeen, Refuge Manager, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Tom Landwehr, Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Deborah Loon, Executive Director, Minnesota Valley Trust
WHAT:
Announcement of Major Report on the Economic Value of National Wildlife Refuges and Tour of Refuge
WHERE:
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
3815 American Boulevard East
Bloomington, MN 55425
WHEN:
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
11:30 a.m. CST – Media Check-In
12:00 p.m. CST – Press Conference
12:30 p.m. CST – Tour of Refuge (b-roll opportunities with speakers)
MEDIA:
Credentialed members of the media who wish to attend this event are required to
RSVP HERE no later than 5:00 PM CST on Monday, November 4. Additional logistical information will be provided to confirmed members of the media.
Source: Department of Interior
