NOLS Front and Center at the White House

NOLS is participating front and center in public discussions regarding
the management of our public lands and reconnecting American families
with the outdoors. And when I say “front and center,” I mean literally.

Last Friday, NOLS Executive Director John Gans attended the White House Conference on America’s Great Outdoors. Not only did John receive a special invitation to the event, but he was seated front and center just yards from President Obama. This meant that those of us at home watching the conference on the White House’s live stream channel had the pleasure of seeing the back of John’s head and his lovely french blue shirt the entire time.

After thanking John for looking so distinctive, I asked him for a recap. He said, “there were representatives from agriculture, hunting groups, climbing interests, youth education and the outdoor products industry. I was amazed and pleased to see the diversity of interests that were represented at the conference.”

At the Conference, President Obama spoke about the importance of carrying on the
legacy of President Roosevelt in the 21st century. He also signed a memorandum to lay the foundation of a
strategy to engage the local, state and federal government, private
sector and nonprofit organizations and others.

The initiative will
include listening and learning sessions around the country where land
and waters are being conserved and community parks are being established
in innovative ways. The memorandum calls for a report to be provided by
the Council on Environmental Quality to President Obama in
November.

Keep your eyes open for updates on how the White House’s initiative will affect NOLS’ classroom and curriculum.

That’s all folks . . . until the next time our fearless leaders unite!