Washington, DC (March 30, 2007) - The American Recreation Coalition and the National Forest Foundation today announced additional information about the National Recreation Forum to take place in Washington, DC on April 30, 2007. The National Forum complements five regional Recreation Forums conducted during March 2007.

The forum will commence with four topical sessions meeting concurrently between 10:00 A.M. and noon at various locations across the city. Each topical session is hosted by leading national organizations. The forum continues with a plenary session from 1:00 - 5:00 P.M. at the American Association for the Advancement of Science Auditorium at 1200 New York Avenue, NW and will begin with welcoming remarks from leaders of the nation's federal land management agencies. A reception for participants will follow the plenary session.

10:00 A.M. - NOON: CONCURRENT TOPICAL SESSIONS

Access Issues: Hosted by the National Association of Counties (NACo), the National Wild Turkey Federation and Tread Lightly!
Location:
444 N. Capitol Street, NW
Hall of States, Room 283
Washington, DC

Partnerships and Volunteerism: Hosted by the National Forest Foundation and the USDA Forest Service.
Location:
USDA Forest Service
Sidney R. Yates Building
Yates Training Room, 2nd Floor
201 14th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20250
NOTE: Security check is required to enter this building.
You must register with ARC in advance to attend this session and bring photo ID.

Travel, Tourism and Recreation and Public Lands: Hosted by the American Recreation Coalition, the Southeast Tourism Society and the Western States Tourism Policy Council.
Location:
American Hotel and Lodging Association Conference Room
1201 New York Avenue, #600
Washington, DC 20005

Youth Service Organizations and Public Lands: Hosted by The Corps Network and Camp Fire USA
Location:
American Recreation Coalition
1225 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 450
Washington, DC 20005

1:00 - 5:00 P.M. - PLENARY SESSION

Location: American Academy for the Advancement of Science Auditorium, 1200 New York Avenue, NW

1:00 P.M. - Opening Comments by Derrick Crandall, American Recreation Coalition

1: 05 P.M. - Recreation on America's Lands and Waters: Federal Agency Leadership Panel

1:40 P.M. - Comments by Bill Possiel, National Forest Foundation

1:45 P.M. - Regional Forum Reports

2:25 P.M. - Introduction of Topical Session Reports by Lori McCullough, Tread Lightly!

2:30 P.M. Topical Session Reports

3:10 PM Presentations by National Organizations and Interests
Moderator: Jim Bedwell, Director of Recreation, USDA Forest Service

4:00 P.M. Youth Panel Introduction by Derrick Crandall, American Recreation Coalition

4:05 P.M. Youth Panel

4:25 P.M. Additional Presentations by National Organizations and Interests
Moderator: Jim Bedwell, Director of Recreation, USDA Forest Service

4:55 P.M. Closing Comments: Bill Possiel, National Forest Foundation
Derrick Crandall, American Recreation Coalition

5:00 - 6:30 P.M. - Reception
Location: Bobby Van’s Grill, 1201 New York Avenue, NW

The National Recreation Forum will:

• provide a platform for showcasing key presentations and recommendations originally delivered at the regional sessions;
• provide an additional platform for suggestions and information designed to enhance the contributions of America’s public lands to the American public, especially for representatives of national organizations and interests; and
• invite public and private figures to present information relevant future recreation opportunities on public lands, ranging from the value of recreation to the nation’s physical and mental health, to the role of recreation to the nation’s regional and national economy, to the role of recreation in meeting America’s educational needs and to key infrastructure and budgetary issues associated with recreation on public lands; and
• provide a national town hall session for open discussion of key recreation issues, with participation by representatives of the principal federal recreation providers.

Register to attend the National Recreation Forum now! Click here.