Since the America’s Great Outdoors (AGO) Initiative was debuted in Montana last spring, not a lot has been announced about the plan. Some worry that it’s link to national monument designations. Others have praised the Obama Administration for attempting to save land. The Administration has proclaimed that the Initiative is a bottom-up approach to create a 21st century conservation and recreation agenda.
Whether you fall into one of those camps or find yourself somewhere between the lines, you can get your questions about the Initiative answered this Friday. The following letter, provided to us by the American Land Rights Association (ALRA), details a live online chat scheduled for noon MST on Friday. Questions can be submitted prior to and during the chat.
Dear Executive Director,
For generations, America’s great outdoors have ignited our imaginations, bolstered our economy, and fueled our national spirit of adventure and independence. That is why during the month of June, we celebrate Great Outdoors Month and rededicate ourselves to experiencing and protecting our nation’s unique landscapes and treasured sites.
President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors (AGO) Initiative has launched a national dialogue about conservation in America. The AGO Initiative is based on the tenet that lasting conservation solutions should start with the American people – that nobody know which places are most important to American communities better than the people who live, work and recreate in them. The Department of the Interior and other government agencies are hard at work talking with communities and implementing the recommendations of the AGO report.
And now we’d like to update you on the progress we’ve made over the last few months.
Please join us on Friday June 10th at 2:00 pm, EDT, as Secretary Ken Salazar answers your questions at www.doi.gov/live about what the Department is doing implement the AGO initiative and discuss how all American’s can enjoy the great outdoors.
Submit your questions in advance by sending them to newmedia@ios.doi.gov. Or ask them during the chat at www.doi.gov/live.
We look forward to speaking with you on Friday June 10th at 2:00 pm, EDT.
Thanks,
Tim Fullerton
Director of New Media
U.S. Department of the Interior
According to Chuck Cushman with ALRA, this initiative is just one program in a long list that demonstrates a “land grab plan.” Others in that list include the Treasured Landscape Initiative, the wild lands order and new wilderness study areas.
CLICK HERE to be linked to the federal website devored to the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative.
© Northern Ag Network 2011
(With Material from ALRA)
Haylie Shipp
