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May 22, 2007
CONTACTS:
Natalie Luna (Grijalva), 520-622-6788
Joseph Duenas (Bordallo), 202-225-1188
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Federal and state land managers will join child health and outdoor recreation experts to discuss the disturbing trend away from outdoor activity among America's youth. The hearing will examine the causes of this trend and its potential impacts on the health and well-being of kids. Impacts on public lands and fish and wildlife resources resulting from declining visitation and decreases in the number of hunting and fishing licenses sold will also be discussed.
"Cable television and video games are winning out over more traditional outdoor recreation for the time and interest of our young people," said Congressman Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), Chairman of the National Parks, Forests and Public Lands Subcommittee. "Our kids need fewer adventure games and more actual adventure in their lives and we need to make that happen."
Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-Guam), Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans, added, "Our children need to spend more time outdoors. The nearby woods, the fishing pond down the street, and the local swimming hole or beach present wonderful opportunities for kids to get exercise and acquire a greater appreciation for nature. I hope that this hearing will help us identify ways to achieve these important goals. The connection kids develop to the natural environment now will not only benefit their health and well being, but it will provide a reciprocal benefit for our natural resources as our children will become the stewards of our public lands, fish and wildlife for the next generation."
The joint oversight hearing of the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands and the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans will take place Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. in 1324 Longworth House Office Building.
Invited witnesses include: James Cason, Associate Deputy Secretary of the Interior Department; Gail Kimbell, Chief of the Forest Service; Gina McCarthy, Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection; Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, MD, American Academy of Pediatrics; Amy Pertschuk, Managing Director, Children and Nature Network; Jerry Calengor, Chairman of the Board, American Sportfishing Association; Richard Dolesh, Director of Public Policy, National Recreation and Parks Association; Dale Penny, Chief Executive Officer, Student Conservation Association; and Alan F. Lambert, Scout Executive, National Capital Area Council.
This hearing will be webcast live on the Committee's web site at http://resourcescommittee.house.gov.
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