FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, June 14, 2004
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Department of the Interior
Contact: Kathryn Harrington
202-208-6502 |
Secretary Norton Welcomes Governor Schwarzenegger to Take Pride in America |
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(WASHINGTON) - Interior Secretary Gale Norton today welcomed California
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to Take Pride in America's Council of Governors,
bringing the number of participating states to 44.
"Governor Schwarzenegger is committed to harnessing the awesome power of
volunteers to help maintain and improve California's parks, beaches and
forests," said Norton. "From the Pacific coast to the desert region, Take Pride
in America is a wonderful opportunity for California's communities to join
together in a concerted effort to keep one of America's most prized treasures -
our public lands - vibrant and beautiful."
"California has active and willing volunteers, as we discovered during our
New Year's Pledge Drive that netted over 400,000 hours of volunteer pledges for
southern California public lands," said Marti Allbright, Take Pride in America
executive director. Allbright and Norton also welcomed Marie Moretti of Go Serve
as California's state coordinator for Take Pride. "We look forward to working
with Marie Moretti, as well as Secretary of Resources Michael Chrisman and
Director of State Parks Ruth Coleman, on Take Pride in America projects in
California."
Take Pride in America's Council of Governors is made up of state governors
who have signed formal agreements with the Take Pride program. Formal
partnerships with state governments allow federal and state land managers to
identify volunteer opportunities and to enlist public service commitments from
citizens.
By partnering with Take Pride in America, Governor Schwarzenegger has pledged
that California will help support the mission of Take Pride in America, which is
to:
- Increase awareness in the public of citizen responsibility for stewardship
of our public lands, facilities, cultural and historical sites;
- Increase volunteerism in the community to protect and maintain our public
resources, including schools, parks, streets, beaches, state and federal
lands, and cultural or historic sites; and
- Recognize commendable volunteer projects and individuals.
Take Pride in America is a national partnership that aims to seek, support
and recognize 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.," said
Secretary Norton. For more information visit:
www.TakePride.gov.
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