I just got this notice today. I can't make it b/c of the holiday. Is anyone attending?Dear Supporter of the Memphis Outdoors and Rivers:
On Wednesday September 8, 2010, we’ll have a key chance to influence the Obama administration on river protection issues – and leave a legacy for our children.
We invite you to attend a community listening session designed to get your input on the Obama administration's America's Great Outdoors Initiative. Come and share your thoughts on how the administration can help your community protect your local rivers and streams for recreation and conservation.
The President's America's Great Outdoors Initiative is a critical opportunity to enhance stewardship of our nation's rivers and increase opportunities for the public to enjoy them. Echoing the efforts of Teddy Roosevelt’s administration over 100 years ago, the Obama administration is reaching out to the public to listen to our priorities in setting a strong conservation agenda.
This hearing will focus on the importance of blueways, or water trails, as a way to connect people to landscapes they love. The Memphis area has great potential to benefit from a Blueways Initiative with rivers such as the Mississippi River and the Wolf River.
You're Invited!
Wednesday, September 8, 5:30 to 7 pm
Ducks Unlimited Conference Center, 1 Waterfowl Way, Memphis
Please RSVP to
renee@tcwn.org or call 865-522-7007 x 100 with questions.
BACKGROUND
President Obama established the America's Great Outdoors (AGO) initiative in April to develop a conservation and recreation agenda that will reconnect Americans with our great outdoors. For a full overview, see this video:
http://www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors/Americas-Great-Outdoors-Video.cfmThe Administration's first step in the AGO initiative is to listen to those of us who are actually using public lands and waters. AGO events are being organized across the nation this summer. Some events are officially held by the Administration, while others are held by organizations including river advocacy groups like ours, with Administration attendance.
This is a key opportunity to provide direct input from our community – canoeists and kayakers, hunters and fishers, hikers and backpackers – to decision makers in Washington. Your thoughts and comments will be compiled into a report submitted directly to the While House.
With your input we can better guide the decisions that affect your favorite rivers, routes, trails and wild places.
For additional background, see the American Rivers page here:
http://www.americanrivers.org/our-work/protecting-rivers/blue-trails/americas-great-outdoors-initiative.htmlAnd the official administration page here:
http://www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors/So that we can plan accordingly please RSVP to
renee@tcwn.org.
The ACA has been well-represented at other official listening sessions throughout the country. We encourage ACA members to participate in Memphis and make your views on recreation known to the Administration. Attend this listening session if your are able. If not, visit the AGO website and submit your comments online.
Mailing Address:
American Canoe Association
108 Hanover Street
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
US
Contact Name: Paul Sanford
Telephone Number: 540-907-4460 x106
