NEWS RELEASE

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Department of Conservation
and Natural Resources
Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 308, Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Gretchen Leslie
DCNR Press Secretary
(717) 772-9101

PENNSYLVANIA PLAYS INSTRUMENTAL ROLE IN FORMATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES LEADERSHIP COUNCIL OF STATES

HARRISBURG (July 31, 2002) — For the first time in our nation’s history, the heads of state agencies charged with conservation, resource management and outdoor recreation have formed a bi-partisan organization aimed at building partnerships between the states and the federal government to enhance the management and conservation of America’s natural resources.

The Natural Resources Leadership Council of the States (NRLCS) recently received its approval from the National Governors’ Association to formally organize. Until now, there has not been a formal organization to take a comprehensive view of natural-resource protection.

The idea originated two years ago with discussions between Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary John C. Oliver and other key conservation leaders. Secretary Oliver served as one of the key individuals in bringing the national organization to its formation.

“I thought if our state counterparts in environmental protection had a national organization, why don’t we?” Secretary Oliver said. “We certainly have many pressing conservation and recreation issues that could benefit from idea exchange and organized vision.

“In a time of severe budget restrictions, it is critical the states and federal agencies develop partnerships to share innovative funding ideas and solve common problems.”

Secretary Oliver worked with The Conservation Fund and the Richard King Mellon Foundation, both of which are responsible for getting NRLCS established.

The Council already has begun to track several key federal programs that impact natural resources. In addition to providing an opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences, the organization hopes to foster a better understanding of the challenges and accomplishments of state natural resources agencies.

“The new Natural Resources Leadership Council of the States undoubtedly will be a leading national partner in carrying out the 4C’s – cooperation, consultation and communication, all in the service of conservation,” said Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton, who joined with The Conservation Fund to host the first gathering of state officials in October 2001. “Partnerships are truly priorities at the Interior Department. The state-federal collaboration that NRLCS will foster will be one the strongest tools ever invented to ensure conservation of natural resources. We are thankful for the visionary leadership of The Conservation Fund.”

The Conservation Fund, with support from the Richard King Mellon Foundation, brought together natural-resources directors from 45 states to discuss innovative partnerships and multi-state collaborations, stewardship and management of public lands and opportunities to work more collaboratively with the federal agencies.

The October event marked the first time since 1908, when Theodore Roosevelt convened the National Conservation Conference, that state leaders from throughout the nation had come together to discuss their mutual interests in the future of America’s natural resources. Because of the overwhelming support, a follow-up meeting in April 2002 was organized to help the state directors establish a formal organization of state natural-resource agency leaders.

“Today, individual states are emerging as the leaders in a new era of conservation and environmental protection,” said recently elected NRLCS President Greg Walcher, who is the executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. “From managing public lands to aiding in the recovery of endangered species, the leadership is increasingly coming from state agencies. Our goal is to build better partnerships with federal agencies and to provide a forum for states to learn more about effective, productive and innovative state-led approaches to conservation.”

Larry Selzer, president of The Conservation Fund, said, “Land and water conservation in the 21st century will be led by the states. We are very proud to have assisted America’s natural-resource leaders in creating this new organization.”

The Conservation Fund is a national non-profit organization headquartered in Arlington, Va., dedicated to land and water conservation in America. The Fund works in partnership with other organizations, public agencies, foundations, corporations and individuals to integrate economic and environmental goals and to foster greater cooperation between the business and conservation communities.

At its spring meeting, the NRLCS elected officers and regional representatives. Elected officers include: Greg Walcher (Colorado), president; Nicholas A. DiPasquale (Delaware), vice president; Lonice C. Barrett (Georgia), secretary/treasurer; and John C. Oliver, past president, who played a prominent role during the planning and organizational process.

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2002