Spring is coming early in 3/4 of national parks, according to a new study. Awesome? Not so much. As flowers bloom earlier every year, it’s disrupting the link between the wildflowers and the arrival of birds, bees, and butterflies that feed on and pollinate the flowers. In Shenandoah, an earlier spring is giving invasive plants a head start, and they’re displacing native wildflowers, leading to costly management issues.
Before the 1960s almost everything about living openly as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) person was illegal. New York City laws against homosexual activities were particularly harsh. The Stonewall Uprising on June 28, 1969 is a milestone in the quest for LGBT civil rights and provided momentum for a movement.
Vine Creek Ranch at Death Valley National Park. Steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow. Rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers. Lush oases harbor tiny fish and refuge for wildlife and humans. Despite its morbid name, a great diversity of life survives in Death Valley.
Located 2,600 miles southwest of Hawaii, the National Park of American Samoa is the most remote unit of the National Park System and the U.S. National Park south of the Equator. The Park spreads across three islands, 9,500 acres of tropical rainforest, and 4,000 acres of ocean, including coral reefs. While remote, the islands of American Samoa, true to the meaning of the word Samoa (Islands of Sacred Earth), are welcoming and offer beautiful landscapes and centuries of culture and history.
Additional Details: Secretary Salazar to Celebrate New National Monuments in New Mexico, Washington, Ohio
National Monuments Will Generate Tourism and Economic Benefits for Local Economies, Honor America's Diverse History, Conserve Key Landscapes
Last edited 4/27/2016
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following President Obama's designation of five new national monuments on Monday, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar is continuing to travel to each of the states to celebrate with local officials and community stakeholders who have worked to secure recognition for these national crown jewels. Over the coming days, Secretary Salazar will travel to New Mexico, Washington State, and Ohio.
“The monuments will help tell the story of significant people and extraordinary events in American history, as well as preserve natural resources for the enjoyment of generations to come,” said Salazar. “The designations will serve as economic engines for the local communities through increased tourism and outdoor recreation and were made with bipartisan support from state and local officials, local businesses and other stakeholders.”
The National Park Service's annual peer-reviewed report found that visitors to our national parks generated $30.1 billion in economic activity and supported 252,000 jobs nationwide in 2011. Outdoor recreation is also an economic powerhouse in the United States, each year generating $646 billion in consumer spending and 6.1 million direct jobs, according to the Outdoor Industry Association.
NEW MEXICO: Saturday, March 30 - Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
Secretary Salazar will join local officials and stakeholders to celebrate the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in northern New Mexico. The monument contains stretches of the Rio Grande Gorge and extinct volcanoes that rise from the Taos Plateau. The area is known for its spectacular landscapes and recreational opportunities – like rafting, fishing and hiking – and serves as important habitat for many birds and wildlife.
WASHINGTON STATE: Monday, April 1 - San Juan Islands National Monument
Secretary Salazar will join San Juan Island residents, local officials and stakeholders to celebrate the San Juan Islands National Monument in Washington. The new monument is a chain of 450 islands, rocks and pinnacles and home to bald eagles, harbor seals, orca whales and other rare species. The San Juan Islands provide many opportunities for visitors, campers, kayakers and birdwatchers to experience the natural beauty of the undeveloped rugged landscape.
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar Principal Deputy Director of the BLM Neil Kornze Senator Maria Cantwell Congressman Rick Larsen Local officials and community stakeholders
Monday, April 1, 2013 10:00 a.m. PDT
Anacortes Senior Center – Great Room 1701 22nd Street Anacortes, WA 98221
OHIO: Tuesday, April 2 - Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument
Secretary Salazar will join local officials and stakeholders to celebrate the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument in Wilberforce, Ohio. The monument will preserve the home of Colonel Charles Young, a distinguished officer in the United States Army who was the third African American to graduate from West Point and the first to achieve the rank of colonel. The national headquarters of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, of which Col. Young was a member, made the property available for acquisition by the federal government for the purpose of commemorating Young's life and accomplishments.
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar
National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis
Former National Park Service Director, Senior Adviser and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Brother Robert Stanton
Neil Mulholland, President & CEO of the National Park Foundation
Local officials and community stakeholders
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Tour, Media Availability
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument
1120 US Route 42 East
Wilberforce, OH 45384
Celebration and Ceremony
National Afro-American Museum, Central State University
1350 Brush Row Road
The ceremony is open to the public. This event is OPEN PRESS, but space is limited for the tour. Media are encouraged to RSVP with the NAME, MEDIA OUTLET, PHONE and EMAIL for each person planning to cover the event to email@example.com by Monday, April 1 at 5:00pm EDT.