Letter to Nick Rahall, Chair, Committee on Natural Resources,
re: HR 1612,
the Public Lands Service Corps Act
December 10, 2009
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December 10, 2009
Mr. Nick J. Rahall,
II Dear Mr. Rahall: The Public Lands Foundation (PLF) lends its support to H.R. 1612, the Public Lands Service Corps Act of 2009. The Public Lands Foundation is a national non-profit conservation organization formed in 1987 that advocates and works for the retention of public lands in public hands, professionally and sustainably managed for the responsible common use and enjoyment of the American people. Our members are predominantly retired former BLM employees with many years of experience in natural resources management. The objectives of the bill “to provide service-learning opportunities on public lands, help restore the nation’s natural, cultural, historic, archaeological, recreational, and scenic resources, train a new generation of public land managers and enthusiasts, and promote the value of public service” are to be commended. During the last several decades with increased access to technology, young people have become more sedentary and less likely to experience this country’s outstanding natural, cultural, recreational and other outdoor opportunities. We believe this trend needs to be reversed. There is no substitute for these experiences. Additionally, it is important that federal land management agencies have the opportunity to hire qualified people with first-hand experiences in the outdoors and an understanding of the resources they would be managing. We believe this bill will help groom young people for a career in public land management that would not otherwise have the opportunity, and provide them with an appreciation of the values of the Nation’s resources. It also will assist the public land management agencies in their efforts to accomplish their missions. Sincerely, /s/ Henri Bisson
Henri Bisson,
President
Cc: Mr. Raul
M. Grijalva |