For Release: Immediate
Contact: Betty Janes
Telephone Number: 970-529-4609

Date: March 14, 2007

Media Advisory

National Park Service Hosts Listening Session on $3 Billion

National Park Centennial Initiative

At FortLewisCollege

Mesa Verde National Park -- On Wednesday, March 21, 2007, the Superintendents from Mesa Verde National Park, Chaco Culture National Historical Park and Aztec Ruins National Monument will host a listening session at Fort Lewis College, in the Lyceum in the Center of Southwest Studies, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., to seek suggestions and ideas on President Bush’s $3 billion National Park Centennial Initiative. The session is one in a series 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 100 th birthday in 2016.

Participants are being asked to focus their comments on three vital questions:

● Imagine you, your children, or future generations enjoying national parks in 2016 and beyond. 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?

“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.

WHO: Larry Wiese, Superintendent, Mesa Verde National Park

Barbara West, Superintendent, Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Dennis Carruth, Superintendent, Aztec Ruins National Monument

WHAT: Listening Session on National Park Centennial Initiative

WHEN: Wednesday March 21, 2007 , 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: Fort Lewis College , Center of Southwest Studies, Lyceum

MEDIA: All credentialed news media are welcome to attend.

~ NPS ~