National Parks Conservation Association Applauds the Senate for Moving Public Lands Service Corps Act One Step Closer to Becoming Law
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PRESS RELEASE
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | |
| Date: | July 21, 2010 |
| Contact: | Alan Spears, NPCA Legislative Representative, P: 202-454-3384 or C: 202-236-6603 |
National Parks Conservation Association Applauds the Senate for Moving Public Lands Service Corps Act One Step Closer to Becoming Law
Statement by NPCA Legislative Representative Alan Spears
“The National Parks Conservation Association today applauds the U.S. Senate for taking an important step forward in the process toward ensuring the Public Lands Service Corps Act legislation is passed expeditiously.
“The Public Lands Service Corps Act – H.R. 1612 as amended in the Senate – will provide service-learning opportunities for young people to assist with critical public lands and national park projects across the country, including invasive species eradication, firefighting, and preservation of historic documents. Service Corps members will gain invaluable experience working closely with conservation professionals and mentors, while helping to restore our national parks and public lands. Most importantly, this bill ensures the diversity of the Service Corps by recruiting, hiring, and retaining young men and women from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.
“The benefits of this bill will also extend well beyond the immediate impact on our public lands, as Service Corps participants become the next generation of national park stewards. The Public Lands Service Corps Act will provide a tremendous training opportunity for youth, particularly at a time when 16-25 year olds have been hit by record unemployment.
“The National Parks Conservation Association will continue to support efforts to pass the Public Lands Service Corps Act to ensure our national parks and public lands are protected and preserved, and that youth are given an opportunity to pursue a meaningful career in conservation.”
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