May 5, 2009 - National Park Trust (NPT) is pleased to announce that California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will be the recipient of the 2009 Bruce F. Vento Award. On June 2, 2009 at the DAR Memorial Continental Hall in Washington D.C., NPT will recognize Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for his leadership and innovation in the protection of public lands in California and for his life-long commitment to children's health and to connecting them with the outdoors.

NPT recognizes Governor Schwarzenegger's outstanding record in land conservation, the highlights of which include the creation of the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, the protection of important coastal areas in California, the preservation and stewardship of related forests and stream habitat, and his initiatives promoting youth fitness and out-of-doors experiences, exemplified in California Children's Bill of Rights. NPT also recognizes the Governor for his leadership in addressing climate change and alternative energy. Through a generous donation, the event will be carbon neutral.

NPT also celebrates the Governor's belief in the value of public-private partnerships, including the necessity of bi-partisanship to achieve lasting environmental progress. His achievements in California epitomize NPT's vision that "Everyone will have an American Park Experience".

Each year NPT honors a public servant with the Vento Award for his or her commitment to the environment and service, skill, and innovation in support of our public lands. The Award was established in 2000 by NPT to honor the memory and legacy of Bruce F. Vento, a twelve-term Congressman from Minnesota who was a committed environmentalist and a champion of legislation for America's parks.

Recent recipients have included: Senator Harry Reid (NV), Congressman George Miller (CA) and Senator John McCain (AZ). The award is presented annually in the spring at a reception in Washington, DC.

The reception will be held on June 2nd at the DAR Memorial Continental Hall at 1776 D. Street, NW, Washington D.C. If you would like to purchase tickets to the event or become a sponsor, contact NPT Executive Director, Grace Lee, at 301-279-7275 or email mailto:grace@parktrust.org. All proceeds to benefit NPT's land conservation and youth education programs.

National Park Trust

National Park Trust

The National Park Trust is a nonprofit 501c3 organization. NPT is the nation’s only organization dedicated to the completion, and the full appreciation, of the American system of National and State Parks through the identification of key land acquisition needs and opportunities, the convening of potential funders to acquire these lands, as well increasing efforts to ensure that future generations appreciate and experience this national heritage.

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