WHO: Midwest Regional Director Ernest Quintana
WHAT: Listening Session on National Park Centennial Initiative
WHEN: March 15, 2007, 4-6 p.m.
WHERE: Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Historic Old Courthouse Rotunda
MEDIA: All credentialed news media are welcome to attend.
(St. Louis, Missouri) --- On Thursday, March 15, National Park Service Midwest Regional Director Ernest Quintana will host a listening session at the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Historic Old Courthouse Rotunda to seek suggestions and ideas on President Bush’s $3 billion National Park Centennial Initiative.
The session is third in a series of 17 that are being held around the country. The President’s proposal would provide significant new public and private investment during the next ten years to reinvigorate and strengthen national parks by the National Park Service’s 100th birthday in 2016.
“These sessions are a great opportunity to think big and act boldly to develop a plan to prepare national parks for the future," said National Park Service Director Mary Bomar. From the session discussions, the Interior Department and the National Park Service will identify signature projects and programs, set specific performance goals and report to the President by May 31. The public also may comment on the National Park Centennial Initiative from March 12 through April 2 online at the following site: www.nps.gov/2016.
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?