National Parks Conservation Association Honors Sen. Lamar Alexander and The National Geographic Society

 
PRESS RELEASE
  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: March 28, 2007
Contact: Andrea Keller Helsel, NPCA, 202-454-3332

Sen. Lamar Alexander and The National Geographic Society Receive Awards for Commitment to National Parks

Washington, DC—The nation’s leading park advocacy organization, the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), will today honor U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and the National Geographic Society for their work on behalf of U.S. national parks. The event, Salute to the Parks: Protecting America’s Heritage, will be held at 6 p.m. at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.

"This inspiring evening will honor national park stewards who have championed our national heritage," said National Parks Conservation Association President Tom Kiernan.

The National Parks Conservation Association’s annual dinner draws hundreds of dignitaries, including members of Congress, the National Park Service, and national park supporters from across the country; more than 500 guests are expected this year. Master of Ceremonies for the evening will be former Sen. Dale Bumpers. Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne will deliver the keynote speech; Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) will offer a videotaped tribute to the parks. Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) will serve as a tribute speaker. Sen. Lamar Alexander and National Geographic Society President John Fahey will be present to accept their awards.

The National Parks Conservation Association’s William Penn Mott Jr. Park Leadership Award will be given to Sen. Lamar Alexander for his support for Great Smoky Mountains and all national parks. The William Penn Mott Jr. Park Leadership Award is presented annually to a public official who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the protection of America’s natural and cultural heritage

The Robin W. Winks Award for Enhancing Public Understanding of National Parks will be presented to The National Geographic Society for educating the public about the majestic beauty and cultural significance of America’s national parks for more than 100 years. The Robin W. Winks Award is given annually to an individual or organization that has effectively communicated the values of the National Park System to the American public.

Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice of the American people in protecting and enhancing our National Park System. The National Parks Conservation Association, its members, and partners work together to protect the park system and preserve our nation’s natural, historic, and cultural heritage for generations to come. For more national park news, please visit http://www.npca.org/news_and_publications/.

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