This Thursday, July 15, western North Carolina has the honor of hosting one of President Obama’s “Great Outdoors Listening Sessions." In April of this year, the President established the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative to develop a conservation and recreation agenda worthy of the 21st century and to reconnect Americans with our great outdoors. The president directed federal agencies to hold listening sessions to hear ideas, success stories and concerns from interested citizens.
Over the years, Governor Perdue has been front and center in leading and participating in conservation and outdoor recreation efforts in order to promote land and water use and protection, while simultaneously promoting economic development and jobs. She was instrumental during her terms in the state Senate in developing the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, and continues to lead the charge for funding this remarkable entity.
Her leadership in bringing together those with conservation expertise and fiscal management experience will be a model example used during this Thursday’s Listening Session.
Members of the Governor’s Office, myself included, are working with leaders in the conservation and recreation community and other outdoor organizations in preparation for this event. We hope you will join us in this day of discussion of land conservation, recreation and reconnecting Americans to the great outdoors.
When: Thursday, July 15, 1 pm to 4 pm
Where: Asheville-Buncombe County Technical Institute; Asheville Campus, 340 Victoria Road, Asheville, NC 28801
Who: Representatives from the U.S. Interior and Agriculture departments, Environmental Protection Agency and Council on Environmental Quality will participate.
To Register: This event is free and open to the public. You are encouraged to pre-register by sending an e-mail to Teresa Lovelace (Teresa_Lovelace@nps.gov). Include with your email your name, organization, and primary area of interest:
1. Working land, open space, and landscape conservation
2. Outdoor recreation
3. Youth engagement and environmental education
4. General discussion
We hope to see you on Thursday!