CRATER LAKE, OR – On Saturday, April 19, 2014, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell will kick off National Park Week with a visit to Crater Lake National Park, highlighting this year's “Go Wild!” theme that encourages people to connect with the nation's natural, historic, and cultural heritage through events and programs at 401 national park units across the country. National Park Week runs from April 19 to April 27.
“With at least one national park in every state and within driving distance of every major city, National Park Week offers a great opportunity to discover America's rich history, iconic landscapes, vibrant culture and diverse wildlife,” Jewell said. “We are putting out the welcome mat at parks nationwide and offering free admission on April 19 and 20.”
Following a press conference to kick off the week, Jewell will join students from the Network Charter School in Eugene, Ore., for an educational snowshoe hike along the Hemlock Trail. Students will conduct hands-on scientific experiments to learn about the temperature, density and water equivalency of snow, as well as study the impacts of climate change and the adaptations of plants and animals to winter at Crater Lake.
Jewell will also highlight the importance of the National Park System to local economies. The National Park Service recently released a report that in 2012 alone, national parks generated $26.75 billion in economic activity and supported 243,000 jobs across the country. This included $45 million in economic activity in communities near Crater Lake that supported 551 jobs.
WHO:
Sally Jewell, U.S. Secretary of the Interior
Craig Ackerman, Crater Lake National Park Superintendent
Students from Network Charter School
Local stakeholders
WHAT:
Press Conference to Kick Off National Park Week
WHEN:
Saturday, April 19, 2014
12:30 p.m. PDT – Media Check-In
12:45 p.m. PDT – Press Conference with Secretary Jewell and Superintendent Ackerman
1:00 p.m. PDT – Educational Snowshoe Hike with Students (B-Roll Opportunity)
WHERE:
Rim Village, Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake, Oregon 97604
Note: The educational snowshoe hike with students will depart directly from Rim Village, following the press conference.
MEDIA:
Credentialed members of the media who wish to attend this event are encouraged to RSVP here no later than 5:00 p.m. PDT on Friday, April 18. Additional logistical information will be provided to confirmed reporters.
Source: Department of Interior
