Secretary Bernhardt Spotlights Maine Businesses Signing the Pledge To America’s Workers and Visits Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge

Date: July 24, 2019
Contact: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov

Portland, ME - Today, U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt highlighted outdoor recreation during a visit to the Sterling Rope Company, where he was joined by representatives from the Sterling Rope Company, Good To-Go, and Flowfold for a signing of President Trump’s Pledge to America’s Workers.

July marks the one-year anniversary of President Trump’s Pledge to America’s Workers campaign, which has generated commitments from more than 280 companies – large and small. These companies have pledged to create nearly 10 million apprenticeships and other on-the-job training and continuing education opportunities for Americans from high school to those nearing retirement, so they will have the skills necessary to provide for themselves and their families. 

“The Department of the Interior is working every day to enhance visitor experiences on public lands, improve our parks and refuges and expand access for recreation activities like hunting, fishing, boating and rock climbing,” said Secretary Bernhardt. “I applaud the local businesses who have signed the Pledge to America’s Worker and for investing in the advancement of our current and future workforce.”

“Sterling Rope has always been committed to hiring great employees and helping them grow with us through continual training; as they grow, we grow!” said Carolyn Brodsky, President and Founder of Sterling Rope Company.

At the Sterling Rope Company, Secretary Bernhardt discussed the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) role in facilitating outdoor recreation across the country, particularly in Maine at places like Acadia National Park and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument where rock climbing is popular. 

According to the 2019 State of Climbing Report by the American Alpine Club, more than 7.7 million people participate in climbing with 57 percent of climbing areas being located on federally-managed lands.

The DOI's Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently released a series of interactive online maps designed to promote climbing and other recreational opportunities on BLM-managed public lands, helping enthusiasts easily plan climbing experiences.

Following the visit at the Sterling Rope Company, Secretary Bernhardt traveled to the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge to meet with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees and tour the facility. He highlighted the importance of the National Wildlife Refuge system and its economic impact on local communities.

According to the 2017 report, Banking on Nature: The Economic Contributions of National Wildlife Refuge Recreational Visitation to Local Communities, 53.6 million people visited National Wildlife Refuges, which had an economic impact of $3.2 billion on local communities and supported more than 41,000 jobs.

Background on the Companies Signing President Trump’s Pledge to America’s Workers:

Based in Biddeford, Maine, the Sterling Rope Company just celebrated their 25th anniversary. The company manufactures rope that is most commonly used by the rock climbing community.

Good To-Go was established in 2010 by Jennifer Scism and is located in Kittery, Maine. The company offers dehydrated camping meals and backpacking food.

Based in Portland, Maine, Flowfold was founded by Charley Friedman in 2010. The company makes and sells outdoor gear.

Please be advised that this press release does not constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Department of the Interior or its employees of any product, service, or enterprise, including Sterling Rope Company Inc, Good To-Go or Flowfold.