Public Listening Session in Seattle - Great Outdoors Initiative

In April, President Obama established the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative to “Reconnect Americans, especially children, to America's rivers and waterways, landscapes of national significance, ranches, farms and forests, great parks, and coasts and beaches by exploring a variety of efforts…”

The first part of the initiative includes listening sessions to hear from people and groups “around the country where land and waters are being conserved and community parks are being established in innovative ways.”

One of those listening sessions will be held in Seattle on THIS THURSDAY, JULY 1. It is crucial that LAND OWNERS, FARMERS, AND RANCHERS show up to the meeting and make their voices heard. While the stated goals of the initiative support the preservation of working lands, it is important for the federal agencies to hear from you at this listening session.

The details of the event are below:

Public Listening Session Announced for America’s Great Outdoors Initiative

06/23/2010

Contact: Hugh Vickery (202) 208-6416
Jordan Montoya (202) 208-5205

WASHINGTON – A scheduled July 1st public listening session and discussion will provide an opportunity for leaders of the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative to hear from people in the Northwest about solutions for building a 21st century conservation and recreation agenda and reconnecting people with the outdoors. In the Northwest many citizens and organizations are already deeply involved in the conservation of working farms, forests, lakes, and rivers, scenic lands, and historic areas, and in celebrating and enjoying the region’s rich outdoor and cultural heritage.

The America’s Great Outdoors Initiative was established by President Obama in April at a White House Conference specifically to develop a conservation and recreation agenda worthy of the 21st century and to reconnect Americans with our great outdoors. To accomplish this goal, the Administration’s effort will be community driven.

The Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality have been asked by the President to lead this effort and to listen and learn from people all over the country. Listening sessions will engage a full range of stakeholders including tribal leaders, farmers and ranchers, sportsmen, community park groups, foresters, business people, educators, state and local governments and recreation and conservation groups.

WHO:
Representatives from DOI, USDA, and EPA will be present to hear your thoughts and to participate in a conversation with you about America’s Great Outdoors.

WHAT:
Opportunities to share your ideas in breakout groups along with presentations by senior officials from DOI, USDA, EPA, and expert panel discussions.

WHEN:
Thursday, July 1st, 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm

WHERE:
Franklin High School, 3013 South Mount Baker Blvd., Seattle, Washington, 98144 http://www.franklinquakers.org/school_info/directions.htm

Please Register: The event is free and open to the public, but please let us know if you will attend so we can plan accordingly. Register by 10 pm, Monday June 28 by sending your name, telephone number and primary area of interest:
Working land and open space conservation
Recreation and public access
Citizen stewardship, including youth engagement and environmental education.
General

You may register through: http://www.discovernw.org/ago-signup.htm.

For more information on the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative and to submit comments on-line visit: www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors/.

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