Protecting Land for the Next Generation
During the panel moderated by Interior Secretary Salazar, participants frequently referenced the Civilian Conservation Corp, a program during the Great Depression that helped the unemployed by providing conservation work around the country.
A favorite place of mine is Herrington Manor in Western Maryland, built by the CCC in 1932. The series of cabins, recreational center and trails, lake and beach, provide a wonderful place for families to enjoy the great outdoors. This was one of 800 parks constructed nationwide. The CCC also planted 3 billion trees to reforest America!
The panelists suggested that the next stimulus package include something like the CCC –and involve more youth in restoration projects. What do you think about that suggestion?
Bill Cronon, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison spoke eloquently about the “core American thread” -- sustaining our private and public lands to pass on to future generations.
That core American thread is held firmly in the hard-working hands of millions of family forest owners around the country who know that conserving America’s forests is also about conserving core American values.
