NWF joins White House discussion on America’s Great Outdoors

President Obama and several administration officials today are meeting with landowners, sportsmen, state and local government leaders, public lands experts, conservationists and youth leaders to discuss “the challenges, opportunities and innovations surrounding modern-day land conservation and the importance of reconnecting Americans and American families to the outdoors.”

Larry Schweiger, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation and Kevin Coyle, Vice President for Education and Training at the National Wildlife Federation, were invited to join the discussion at the White House. A host of topics were on the agenda for the meeting, but of particular concern to NWF are the issues of addressing climate change impacts and reconnecting kids to nature.
“For too long the conservation of our treasured lands and waters has languished behind other priorities,” said Schweiger. “Now, as we come to grips with the reality that our world is warming, we must not only play catch up for the damage done, but also prepare for the unavoidable consequences of climate change in the future.”

“America’s Great Outdoors should be both about places and people,” said Coyle. “Conserving the lands and waters that define our country today will be for naught if we fail to instill an appreciation and love of the outdoors in our children and grandchildren. We have an obligation to leave the next generation healthier and better connected to the natural world.”

The Obama administration is expected to take the discussion on the road in the coming months. Stay tuned to learn how you can attend one of the listening sessions and share your opinions and wishes for conservation.