June 3, 2005 Greater Washington National Parks Trails Forever initiative event.

BUREAU: National Park Service-Regional Director’s Office/ Partnerships Office

MEMBER:  Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton 

ISSUE:  June 3, 2005 Greater Washington National Parks Trails Forever initiative event.

Key Points:

The National Capital Region’s plan to launch the Greater Washington National Parks Trails Forever initiative is a significant opportunity for NPS, and perhaps the Department and the White House, to: 

• Improve services to the community by reinforcing existing trails as a way to experience the parks.
• Improve communication to the residents of metropolitan Washington, D.C. about the extensive park lands that exist and that have a direct impact on their quality of life.
• Educate and motivate the public to help ensure long-term protection of resources under the National Park Service’s care.
• Improve the public’s awareness of the National Park Service in the region.
• Implement the NPS Director’s Legacy Initiative and 4-Year Plan “Doing Business in the 21st Century”.

Background:

This project was initially proposed to the Greater Washington National Park Fund, Parks Council by the Prince William Forest Park with the goal of attracting increased visitation; raise greater awareness of the parks as a way to encourage visitors to use the parks and contribute to their stewardship; promote public participation and opportunities for volunteers; promote health and fitness through trail use; create an endowment fund for trail planning, expansion, maintenance, signage, safety, volunteerism and enforcement. 

Current Status:

June 3, 2005 has been designated to launch the Greater Washington National Parks Trails Forever initiative to include a walk, ride and paddle lead by figures of government and the private sector.  A press conference will commence announcing the mark of June 4, 2005, as the “National Trails Day Celebration”.  The press conference will be used to encourage the public to participate on June 4, 2005, celebration at individual parks to show their interest, support and participation of this endeavor.

In advance of the June 3, 2005, launch a “Save the Date” notice is scheduled to go out on March 21, and June 3, 2005, as well as an event rehearsal that is scheduled for May 27, 2005.

Prepared By:  J. Glenn Eugster, Assistant Regional Director, Partnerships Office, 202 619-7492