National Park Service Centennial Initiative
Listening Sessions Announced
Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne and National Park Service Director Mary Bomar have announced the launch of a nationwide series of listening sessions. The sessions are organized to seek suggestions and ideas from Americans across the country on President Bush’s National Park Centennial Initiative to reinvigorate and strengthen national parks over the next decade. For those in the Lowell area, a regional session is scheduled in Boston at Faneuil Hall on Thursday, March 15, 2007 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm.
Participants are being asked to focus their comments on three vital questions:
-Think of your children and grandchildren enjoying national parks in 2016 and beyond. How do you imagine their visit? What are your hopes and expectations?
-What role do you think national parks should play in the lives of Americans and visitors from around the world?
-What are the signature projects and programs that you think should be highlighted for completion over the next 10 years?
The public also may provide comments on the National Park Centennial Initiative online from March 12 through March 31 at the following site: www.nps.gov/2016.
Based on these discussions, Kempthorne and Bomar will identify signature projects and programs and set specific goals for more ranger-led programs, restored natural and cultural sites and greater volunteerism and philanthropy. They will present their recommendations to the President by May 31, 2007.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
