Conservation Lands Foundation Applauds Dedication of Fort Ord National Monument

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE​​​

Media Contact: Brian O’Donnell, 970-903-0276; Brian@conservationlands.org

Conservation Lands Foundation Applauds Dedication of Fort Ord National Monument

WASHINGTON, DC (May 18, 2012) – As Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar prepares to visit Monterey, California tomorrow for the official dedication of the Fort Ord National Monument, the Conservation Lands Foundation applauds President Obama for his leadership in protecting the public lands at Fort Ord as a National Monument.

“Armed Forces Day is an appropriate date to dedicate the Fort Ord National Monument. This new National Monument will forever maintain the land on which tens of thousands of American soldiers demonstrated their mettle before courageously defending our nation,” said Brian O’Donnell, Executive Director of the Conservation Lands Foundation.

“We are grateful that President Obama proclaimed the Fort Ord National Monument. This incredible place has been rightfully designated to honor the sacrifices of our nation’s soldiers and to safeguard its scenic beauty, recreational opportunities and important wildlife habitat.”

Fort Ord National Monument will become part of the National Conservation Lands. The National Conservation Lands – formally known as the National Landscape Conservation System – are a 27-million acre collection of the most ecologically, culturally and historically significant public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. In California, these lands include nearly five million areas of public lands including national monuments, national conservation areas, wilderness areas, wild and scenic rivers, and national scenic and historic trails. This designation represents the first expansion of the National Conservation Lands since the system was established in 2009.

Fort Ord National Monument permanently protects approximately 15,000 acres of public land, preserving some of the last open space and most important wildlife habitat in the region. This designation monument also ensures that the public can continue to use this area for mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding and other activities for generations to come.

“Protecting our outdoor heritage is important to our economy and to the health of our nation. Future generations will benefit from President Obama’s conservation leadership,” stated O’Donnell.

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The Conservation Lands Foundation (CLF) is the only organization dedicated solely to conserving the 27 million acres included in the National Conservation Lands. Our mission is to protect, restore and expand the National Conservation Lands through education, advocacy and partnerships. www.conservationlands.org