Audio News Release     PSAs     Press Release     Podcasts

Audio Clip	Summary	Length
	The final rule to implement the March 2003 Record of Decision (ROD) for winter use of snowmobiles in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks will become effective December 17, 2003. Craig Manson, Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks says the decision strikes a balance between environmental and business concerns. (text)	:13
	The foundation of the rule is the Adaptive Management Program. Snowmobile use can be adjusted to ensure that the goals of the decision are met. (text)	:09
	Craig Manson says that the rule represents a partnership between the park and the community, as the economic livelihoods of so many types of business depend on strong winter use of the parks. (text)	:15
	Manson says that the Adaptive Management Program is the first of its kind and will be a benefit to the environment. (text)	:09

Back to Top

Audio Clip	Summary	Length
	The grants, which have more than tripled over the last three years, represent the administrations commitment to conservation. (text)	1:10
	Secretary Norton says the grants will help build a healthier America for future generations. (text)	:14
	The coastal grants represent successful partnerships with and empowerment of states, local communities, tribes, sportsmen and conservation groups to create conservation projects. (text)	:16
	Craig Manson, the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks calls cooperative conservation a proven approach for the new century.(text)	:16

Back to Top

Audio Clip	Summary	Length
	The Department of the Interior and its Bureau of Land Management has announced details of a proposed grazing rule aimed at improving grazing management and helping to continue ranching in the rural West. Click here for the complete story with comments from Interior Secretary Gale Norton. (text)	1:10
	Secretary Norton says it is important to the help ranchers stay on the land. (text)	:11
	Norton explains that one of the provisions of the new rule will encourage permanent range improvements. (text)	:13
	Norton says the proposed rule is meant to give the ranching business stability in hopes of helping ranchers stay on the land. (text)	:22
	Ranching keeps habitats alive and is beneficial to wildlife. (text)	:28

Back to Top

Audio Clip	Summary	Length
	President Bush has signed the Healthy Forest Restoration Act. Ron Tull reporting. (text)	1:10
	President Bush says that the Act is based on science and more importantly, the experience of the firefighters themselves. (text)	:20
	Some forests have burned down while decisions were being made on how to save them. The President says the Healthy Forest Restoration Act will ask courts to weigh the benefits of long-term litigation. (text)	:18
	Fuels reduction by forest thinning will be an important component of the act. (text)	:18

Audio Clip	Summary	Length
	New studies show that natural gas may be far more abundant in the deep shelf area of the Gulf of Mexico than originally forecast. Johnnie Burton, Director of the Department of the Interior's Minerals Management Service announcedthe news in Houston Wednesday. (text)	1:10
	The new forecast could yield up to 35 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. (text)	:18
	The Minerals Management Service requires oil and gas producers to use best technology available in order to receive drilling rights.(text)	:07
	Studies estimate that the resources available on the shelf may be 175 percent more than first thought. (text)	:10

2003 U.S.- Mexico Binational Commission, Working Group on Natural Resources

Audio Clip	Summary	Length
	Secretary Norton and Mexico's Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, Alberto Cardenas, Agree to Extend Wildfire Protection Agreement for Additional Ten Years.	:49
	Binational Species Conservation continues with Wildlife Without Borders-Mexico Program.	:55
	La Secretaria Norton y el Secretario de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, Alberto Cardenas, Amplían Convenio Para la Prevención de Incendios Forestales por 10 Años Adicionales.	:59
	La Conservación Bilateral de Especies Continua con a través del programa Vida Silvestre sin Fronteras-México.	1:07

Audio Clip	Summary	Length
	A report entitled “Banking on Nature” show’s that the nation’s wildlife refuges have a positive impact on the economy of the communities that surround them. (text)	1:00
	The refuge system is a high priority for the President Bush. He requested a $402 million budget for 2004, a 25 percent increase. (text)	:17
	More than 35.5 million people visited the nation’s 540 refuges. Nearly every American lives within a one hour drive from a refuge.(text)	:17

Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton signs a historic agreement that settles long-standing disputes among California water agencies and fulfills a solemn promise the state made more than 70 years ago to limit its use of Colorado River water.

Audio Clip	Summary	Length
	Assistant Secretary for Water and Science Bennett Raley says the agreement clears for market based transfers and other tools need to meet the water needs of the area.(text)	1:00
	Bennett Raley says the historical significance cannot be understated. (text)	:18
	The Quantification Settlement Agreement will ease pressure on Northern California to send more water south. The allocation will provide water for growing cities and address the environmental concerns of the Salton Sea. (text)	:18

Back to Top

15 individuals and groups were recognized as model volunteers under the Take Pride in America campaign, which encourages citizen stewardship of public lands and resources. Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton presented the awards in a roof-top at the Department of the Interior. "These winners represent the epitome of good citizenship," said Secretary Norton.
The winners were selected in six categories, including youth groups, constituent organizations, educational institutions, individuals, public/private partnerships and business.
Marti Allbright is the Director of Take Pride in America and describes the impact these volunteers made on America's landscapes.

Audio Clip	Summary	Length
	Camdenton Middle School 8th Grade, Camdenton Mo. Learned that volunteerism leaves more than a good feeling as they restored two acres of glade and savannah landscape in the Hahatonka State Park. (text)	:13
	Chico Junior High School Chico, Calif. Conducted nine different field studies in their restoration project in the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. (text)	:16
	In the youth category, 19 kids from Spearfish Middle School in Spearfish, S.D. put in nearly 2,400 volunteer hours as "Hatchery Helpers." Allbright says they did everything. (text)	:13
	Venture Crew 220 is a co-ed group sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America in Van Nuys, Calif. They put in 12,000 volunteers and trained other youth organizations how to make a difference. (text)	:16
	One volunteer can make a difference, two can leave a legacy. Clay and Dixie Gatchel of Puyallup, Wash have been volunteers at Mount Rainer since 1985. The Gatchels became volunteer coordinators in 1992 and enlisted nearly 500 volunteers. (text)	:15
	Park rangers say "Diane Novakowski is like one of the staff." The Flint, Mich. native has put in more than 10,000 hours of volunteer service at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake Shore. (text)	:09
	Rescuing a fish from the endangered species list is just another one of the amazing things that volunteerism can do. Joe and Betty White of White River, Ariz. did just that, playing an important role in the rearing of Apache Trout. (text)	:12
	In the Partnership Category the Denali Mountaineering Volunteers of Denali Park, Alaska are VIPs, Volunteers In Parks that is. (text)	:14
	New York Restoration Project New York, N.Y. founded by singer Bette Midler has reclaimed parks and community gardens on the city's waterfront. (text)	:11
	Volunteer for Outdoor Colorado headquartered in Denver, Colo. partnered with the U.S. Forest Service for projects in the four of the state's national forests. Their work on trails and vegetation will benefit outdoorsmen for years to come. (text)	:24
	In the Business Category, Salt River Tubing and Recreation Inc. of Mesa, Ariz. handed out trash bags and inspired its customers to pick up trash while they enjoyed the river. (text)	:08
	Constituent organizations happen when large groups of people get together for a cause. Allbright says Wally Byam Caravan Club International could be called "Take Pride in Pennsylvania." (text)	:08
	The Pymatuning Lake Association Espyville, Pa. is dedicated to the conservation of more than 1,700 acres of water resources. (text)	:20
	Hillsboro, Ore. Has an army of 80,000 volunteers on its side called SOLV. They've been combating litter and vandalism since 1969. (text)	:09
	The Massachusetts Community Water Watch Boston, Mass. Keeps an eye on water quality while educating schoolchildren on water issues. (text)	:10

Back to Top

Audio Clip	Summary	Length
	Interior Secretary signs cooperative agreement with the International Association of Fire Chiefs. The President of the association, Pasadena Fire Chief Ernie Mitchell, says the agreement will enhance the ability of local fire departments to team up with state and federal agencies during wildland fires. (text)	1:00
	Nearly $130,000 in funds will be provided throughout fiscal year 2004 through the National Fire Plan. But one Fire Chief Says that it's the cooperation and acknowledgement from the Federal Government that is most significant. (text)	1:00
	President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and Fire Chief of Pasadena Fire Department, Ernie Mitchell, means local fire departments will be treated as partners. (text)	:12
	Needham Fire Chief Robert DiPoli says the agreement means putting federal resources in the hands of first responders. (text)	:16
	Redland Lodge Fire Chief Tom Kuntz says the end result of the agreement is that it will reduce wildland fire losses. (text)	:12

Back to Top

Audio Clip	Summary	Length
	The Tamarisk or Salt Cedar tree is a thirsty invasive species. The nearly 1.5 million acre infestation annually consumes enough water to supply 20 million. The Interior testified in support of two Senate bills that would work to eradicate the species. (text)	1:05
	Cooperation is essential in the effort control the spread of Tamarisk. The Department of the Interior is forming partnerships with everyone from the private landowner to NASA. (text)	:15
	Senate bill 1236 is called the Tamarisk Control and Riparian Restoration Act and senate bill 1516 is called the Salt Cedar Control Demonstration Act. Both have the goal of making more water available. (text)	:11

Back to Top

Audio Clip	Summary	Length
	Dupont gives 15,568 acres to the Conservation Fund which in turn will give 5,000 acres to the Fish and Wildlife Service, making the way for new habitat for endangered and threatened species. (text)	1:05
	The Fish and Wildlife Service applauds the company. The agreement means that Dupont has given up mineral rights to the land. (text)	1:05
	Southeast Regional Director for Fish and Wildlife Service, Sam Hamilton, points out that the Okefenokee is important to the St. Mary's and the Suwannee Rivers. (text)	:13
	Hamilton hopes that the land will eventually become a habitat for the Red Cockaded Woodpecker. (text)	:17
	Before the threat of mining the swamp survived other threats. (text)	:19
	Sam Hamilton calls Dupont's actions a gift to the American people. (text)	:13

Back to Top

Audio Clip	Summary	Length
	National Park Service Director Fran Mainella explained that the process is part of the President's management agenda. (text)	:14
	Before a position is considered for review, it is first decided if the function is inherently governmental or commercial. Park Rangers are not being considered. (text)	:11
	The National Park Service has more than 20,000 federal employees. Only a small percentage, 1,708 positions, are being reviewed for competitive sourcing. The service is halfway through the process without losing any people. (text)	:12
	National Park Service Director Fran Mainella says the 859 full-time equivalent positions were converted to contracts without losing any jobs through a combination of eliminating new positions and vacancies. (text)	:15

Back to Top

The Office of Surface Mining gives out awards each year recognizing how companies perform. This year three coal operators we're recognized for being good corporate citizens. The GOOD NEIGHBOR AWARD is a new award and each winner was presented theirs by a member of the local community where they mine.

Audio Clip	Summary	Length
	Mining in and around areas of two distinct Indian reservations is a culturally sensitive task requiring open communication. Peabody Western Coal achieved the Gold award as a good neighbor to Navajo and Hopi Indian tribes in Arizona.(text)	:57
	The Silver award went to the Vigo Coal Company in Boonville, Indiana. They worked with local citizens to stop a flood problem and established a 45 acre wetland in the process. (text)	:53
	The Bridgeview Coal Company in Farmington, Pennsylvania received the Bronze award. The members of the family owned and operated company have a personal stake in the effect of mining on the community because they live there too. (text)	:55
	During reclamation of lands south of Monument Valley, the Peabody Coal Company made a rare herb part of their reclamation plan after meeting with tribal medicine men. (text)	:12
	Being a good neighbor isn't something that OSM can regulate, but they certainly encourage it. (text)	:10
	Wharton Township official Jack Lewis says the Bridgeview Coal Company has left behind land that they can be proud of. (text)	:11

Back to Top

Audio Clip	Summary	Length
	35 percent of U.S. natural gas production comes from lands managed by the Interior Department. Secretary Gale Norton addressed business leaders at the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington DC where she emphasized that consultation is an important part of land use decisions on energy development. (text)	1:05
	Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton and U.S. Chamber of Commerce examined the impact of increased natural gas prices on farming and industry. (text)	1:00
	The Interior Secretary says a reliable source of natural gas is needed to keep jobs in America. (text)	:10
	Natural gas has many uses in farming, including the production of ethanol. (text)	:13
	Secretary Norton emphasizes that rigorous environmental regulation accompanies every stage of oil and gas exploration. (text)	:12

Back to Top

Audio Clip	Summary	Length
	The Interior Department has awarded $12.9 million in cost-share grants under President Bush's Cooperative Conservation Initiative. The money will be combined with matching funds from challenge grants to work on 256 conservation and restoration project. (text)	1:00
	Assistant Secretary Craig Manson says the projects will have a positive impact on future generations. (text)	:11
	The matching funds come from a diverse group of more than 700 partners across 40 states and Puerto Rico according to Manson. (text)	:11
	The projects range from restoring wetland prairie habitat to eradicating invasive plants. Manson says without the Cooperative Conservation Initiative, the projects may not have happened. (text)	:11

Back to Top

Audio Clip	Summary	Length
	A house resource committee report called "America's most threatened forests" ranks Oregon's Siskiyou National Forest as number eight out of twelve. With that in mind the House Resource Committee will hold a field hearing at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds Monday on H.R. 1904, The Healthy Forest Restoration Act. (text)	1:07
	Three panels of experts will testify on reducing the threat of wildfires. Ed Shepard, an Assistant Director in the Bureau of Land Management says they will also address concerns on how much contractors can take while thinning dense forests. (text)	:13
	Last year fires burned the habitat of the Northern Spotted Owl, this year it is threatening the habitat of the Sage Grouse. (text)	:08
	Ed Shepard, an Assistant Director in the Bureau of Land Management says that several areas of Oregon have a high fire threat due to overgrown forest. (text)	:16

Back to Top

Audio Clip	Summary	Length
	Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) by opening the 100th offshore oil and gas lease sale conducted in the Gulf of Mexico. The Outer Continental Shelf is a critical source of energy. (text)	1:06
	In addition to providing energy, the offshore energy industry provides thousands of jobs. And according to Tom Readinger, the Associate Director for Offshore Minerals Management, the industry has a sound environmental record. (text)	1:05
	The lease sale marked the 100th for the Gulf of Mexico, the nation's primary source of offshore energy. (text)	:09
	Royalty revenues for 2002 totaled over $6 billion. A portion of the money goes to federal parks and recreation programs in all 50 states. (text)	:16
	The offshore energy industry has an economic impact with both the product and the jobs it provides. (text)	:08

Back to Top

Audio Clip	Summary	Length
	Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Aurene Martin discusses improvements in program management for BIA funded schools as well as post secondary education. (text)	1:04
	Meeting the goals of the Bush Administrations's "No Child Left Behind" act presents both federal and state challenges for tribal educators and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. (text)	1:07
	Assistant Secretary Martin says management and communication are improving in the BIA funded school system. (text)	:14
	In BIA funded schools, regulations are developed through negotiated rule making with tribal educators and representatives throughout the country. (text)	:16
	BIA funded schools also adhere to state regulations. The schools are located in 23 states serving nearly 48,000 students. (text)	:17
	Assistant Secretary Martin wants to examine post secondary education to better prepare Native Americans for careers in the BIA and community. (text)	:12

Back to Top

Audio Clip	Summary	Length
	The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced its first-ever call for funding proposals from federally-recognized Indian tribes under the new Tribal Landowner Incentive Program and Tribal Wildlife Grants program. Steve Williams, Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service, says the two programs are part of an ongoing partnership between the Service and America's tribes. (text)	:16
	Williams said the grant proposals will give the Service a closer look at tribal priorities and give tribes help in affecting land management. (text)	:17
	The Tribal Landowner Incentive Grants Program, as authorized by Congress, provides $3.97million in a competitive grant program for federally-recognized Indian tribes to address protection, restoration, and management of habitat. (text)	:12
	At least 25 percent of the costs associated with each funded project must be covered by non-federal funds. The $9.97million Tribal Wildlife Grant Program, as authorized by Congress, is also competitive. (text)	:13
	Only federally-recognized Indian tribes are eligible to apply for. Although matching funds are not required for Tribal Wildlife grants, they are considered an indicator of tribal commitment to the project. Proposals for funding for both Tribal Landowner Incentive grants and Tribal Wildlife grants must be submitted by September 11, 2003 to the appropriate U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's regional office. (text)	:19

Back to Top