National Park Centennial Initiative listening sessions open in Smokies

Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne and National Park Service Director Mary Bomar will be at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Maintenance Area, Gatlinburg March 13, between 6-8 p.m. The National Park Service seeks public suggestions on the National Parks Centennial Initiative. This will be the first of 14 public listening sessions to be held in communities around the United States. Secretary Kempthorne and Director Bomar are looking for citizen ideas and vision for the 2016 Centennial of the National Park Service and the 10-year program, the Centennial Initiative. The goal of the initiative is to provide significant public and private resources to restore and better protect the parks’ natural, cultural and historic resources. The plan includes new and improved visitor centers, trails, campgrounds, and other facilities; more ranger-led programs; greater volunteerism and philanthropy. Visitors’ park experiences will be significantly enhanced. “In short,” Kempthorne said, “our national park system will be prepared for its next century of excellence in conservation, preservation and enjoyment.” Kempthorne said listening sessions will feature a brief outline of the Centennial Initiative then ask for input from individuals, park partners and interest groups about what projects and programs should be included. When the listening session are complete, a report, including public comments, will be written and transmitted to the President by May 31.