White House Conference on Great Outdoors
In opening remarks, Administration officials acknowledged the need to protect open space for the next generation; to keep working lands working for all the benefits: clean water, clean air, open space and wildlife habitat. Agriculture Secretary Vilsack regrets the lose of 1.6 million acres of rural landscape every year to development, and mentioned how proud he is of the restoration of America's forests. He emphasized the need to ensure the next generation can benefit. Interior Secretary Salazar highlighted the need to knit together fragmented landscapes. Much of what we heard this morning aligns with AFF's mission. America's family forests are essential to the delivering on the benefits talked about this morning. More updates later.
