WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and other senior Department officials will fan across the country this week – from Alabama to Alaska – joining with local elected officials and stakeholders to underscore the importance of the Land and Water Conservation Fund to support communities' conservation, outdoor recreation and clean water projects.
Over its 50 year history, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has played a vital role in boosting local economies in every state, but it is set to expire without action from Congress. President Obama has proposed to enact full, permanent funding as part of his 2015 budget request.
Secretary Jewell will kick-off the week on Tuesday in Fort Worth, Texas, where she will make an important funding announcement for local communities who leverage the program to create ball-fields and parks for kids to play and learn, expand open spaces and protect important water sources. One analysis of the Land and Water Conservation Fund found that every $1 invested in land acquisition generated a $4 return on investment for communities.
“Congress needs to fulfill the promise made to the American people through the Land and Water Conservation Fund to use a small amount of the federal revenues generated from offshore oil and gas production to invest in our nation's outdoor heritage, clean water and economic prosperity,” said Jewell. “I look forward to spending time this week with mayors and partners who are leveraging the program to realize local priorities, such as developing urban parks in Texas, expanding access for sportsmen and sportswomen in Alabama, and preserving historic battlefields in Virginia.”
Over the coming days, Secretary Jewell, Deputy Secretary of the Interior Michael Connor, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Dan Ashe, and Director of the Bureau of Land Management Neil Kornze will participate in local events in Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Oregon, Texas and Virginia. Additional event details are available below.
TUESDAY, JULY 8
EVENT #1 - Fort Worth, Texas
WHO:
Sally Jewell, U.S. Secretary of the Interior
Betsy Price, Mayor of Fort Worth; Co-chair of the bipartisan coalition, Mayors for Parks
Ralph Duggins, Vice Chairman, Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission
WHAT:
Important Land and Water Conservation Fund Announcement
WHEN:
Tuesday, July 8, 2014, at 10:30 am CDT
WHERE:
Gateway Park
4800 E 1st St.
Fort Worth, Texas
RSVP:
Credentialed members of the media interested in covering the event are encouraged to RSVP HERE by July 7, 2014, at 6:00 pm EDT
EVENT #2 - Welches, Oregon
WHO:
Neil Kornze, Director of the Bureau of Land Management
Representatives from the Western Rivers Conservancy, Clackamas County,
Travel Oregon and the International Mountain Bicycling Association
WHAT:
Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Land and Water Conservation Fund and Conservation/Recreation Achievements along Oregon's Sandy River
WHEN:
Tuesday, July 8 at 2:30pm PDT
WHERE:
Sandy Ridge Mountain Bike Trailhead
[Several miles off US Highway 26 in Welches, Oregon – for more detailed
instructions, please contact the Oregon BLM office at 503-375-5657]
EVENT #3 - Vero Beach, Florida
WHO:
Dan Ashe, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Ranchers from the Northern Everglades Alliance and representatives from the Florida Sportsmen's Trust
WHAT:
Meeting to discuss next steps for the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife
Refuge and Conservation Area
WHEN:
Tuesday, July 8 at 10am EDT
WHERE:
Adams Ranch
26003 Orange Ave
Fort Pierce, Florida
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9
EVENT #4 - Birmingham, Alabama
WHO:
Sally Jewell, U.S. Secretary of the Interior
William Bell, Sr., Mayor of Birmingham, Member of the bipartisan coalition, Mayors for Parks
WHAT:
Event to Celebrate Land and Water Conservation Fund's Contributions to America's Hunting, Fishing and Boating Heritage
WHEN:
Wednesday, July 9, 2014, at 11:30 am CDT
WHERE:
East Lake Park
116 84th Street
Birmingham, Alabama
RSVP:
Credentialed members of the media interested in covering the event are encouraged to RSVP HERE by July 8, 2014, at 6:00 pm EDT.
EVENT #5 - Anchorage, Alaska
WHO:
Michael Connor, Deputy Secretary of the Interior
Ed Fogels, Deputy Commissioner for Alaska's Department of Natural Resources
Holly Spoth-Torres, Parks Superintendent for the Municipality of Anchorage
Beth Nordlund, Executive Director for the Anchorage Park Foundation
WHAT:
Land and Water Conservation Fund Event to Celebrate Community Park Improvements
WHEN:
Wednesday, July 9, 2014, at 11:45am AKDT
WHERE:
Dave Rose Park
201 Lane Street
Anchorage, Alaska
THURSDAY, JULY 10
EVENT #6 - Richmond, Virginia
WHO:
Sally Jewell, U.S. Secretary of the Interior
Molly Ward, Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources
Dave Ruth, Superintendent at Richmond National Battlefield Park
Jim Lighthizer, Civil War Trust President
WHAT:
Important Historic Preservation Announcement for Richmond National Battlefield Park
WHEN:
Thursday, July 10, 2014, at 11:00 am EDT
WHERE:
Watt House property on the Gaines' Mill Battlefield
6283 Watt House Road
Mechanicsville, Virginia
RSVP:
Credentialed members of the media interested in covering the event are encouraged to RSVP HERE by July 9, 2014, at 6:00 pm EDT.
Source: Department of Interior
