DENVER, Colo. - Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton announced today that 18 Utah communities have been designated as Take Pride in America Cities this week, only three days following the announcement of Take Pride in Utah and Bountiful City, Utah, as winners of the National Take Pride in America Awards.

“I'm delighted Utah’s mayors are committed to rallying volunteers to help maintain and improve our public lands,” said Norton. “Cities, towns and villages across the country are implementing the Take Pride message in their own way to suit local needs and interests, but the message is the same. We have a duty to care for the public lands we use and enjoy. Each one of us can find a way to lend a hand.”

A Take Pride in America City designation is bestowed upon a city or municipality that supports the mission and goals of Take Pride. The city then agrees to sponsor two or more events such as an award ceremony or a clean-up event in its community. Take Pride in America Cities in Utah include:

Bountiful City
Centerville City
City of Provo
City of Taylorsville
Clearfield City
Duchesne City
Farmington City
Fruit Heights City
Kaysville City
Midvale
Murray
North Salt Lake City
Old Deseret Village
Park City
Roosevelt City
Sandy City
Vernal City
West Valley City

On August 25 and August 26, Marti Allbright, Take Pride in America executive director, presented the mayors of each community a certificate of participation. The swing through Utah is part of the 2004 Take Pride in America Western Tour, co-sponsored in part by Unilever & Monaco Coach Corporation.

"Thanks in large part to the energy and success of the Take Pride in Utah program, over a dozen Utah mayors will promote an ethic of public stewardship in their communities," said Marti Allbright, “Darin Bird, assistant director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, Jason Curry, Take Pride in Utah coordinator, and their team serve as a terrific model for other state-wide Take Pride programs.”

Presented annually, Take Pride in America’s national awards recognize outstanding volunteer projects and efforts in a variety of categories. Take Pride Utah is a winner in the state category; and Bountiful City is a winner in the local government category. The awards program is open to individuals and public and private groups that have contributed to the protection or enhancement of America’s historic sites, local playgrounds and other recreation areas. Winners are selected by a panel of reviewers from nominations received and will be honored a Sept. 21 ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Take Pride in America is a national partnership that recruits, supports and recognizes volunteers who work to improve our public parks, forests, grasslands, reservoirs, wildlife refuges, cultural and historic sites, local playgrounds, and other recreation areas. With 100 Charter Partners, Take Pride involves federal, state and local governments; conservation, youth and recreation groups; and top national corporations and organizations. Together, we protect and enhance the special legacy all Americans share - our public lands that cover one in every three acres across the nation. For more information visit: www.TakePride.gov.

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