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Stimulating Economic Vitality and Resource Conservation in Gateway and Tribal Communities
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On September 15, 2009, The Western States Tourism Policy Council (WSTPC), Southeast Tourism Society (STS), the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) and key Federal agencies participated in a one-day Policy Forum on Gateway and Tribal Communities in Washington, D.C., held at the U.S. Department of the Interior.
The forum “Stimulating Economic Vitality and Resource Conservation in Gateway and Tribal Communities” focused on how gateway and tribal communities, which serve millions of visitors to the Federal public lands, can balance their need for growth and vitality with the conservation and protection of natural resources during a time of severe economic challenges.
Speakers included Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. Attendees included top leaders from gateways and tribes, state and local governments, the tourism and recreation industry and major Federal land and other agencies whose policies have a significant impact.
The economic and ecological condition of gateways and tribes were reviewed and participants had an opportunity to consider future policies, strategies and partnerships.
Photos from Sept. 15, 2009
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| Interior Sec. Salazar gives opening welcome |
Transportation Sec. LaHood addresses the morning crowd |
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| Forum participants meet at the new RV |
Tom Strickland (l), Dept. of Interior, greets Gerard Baker, NPS |
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| Bill Hardman, STS (l) greets Sec. Ray LaHood |
Sec. Ken Salazar meets Betty Huskins (r), Ridgetop Assoc. |
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| Gerard Baker, Mt. Rushmore Nat. Memorial |
Mike Cerletti, WSTPC |
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| Betsy Baumgart, Montana Office of Tourism |
Diane Shober, Wyoming, Office of Tourism |
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| John Garcia, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation |
Sec. Salazar (l), Ryck Lydecker, BoatUS and Derrick Crandall (r), American Rec. Coalition |
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| Deen Reeder, NPS |
Tina Osceola, AIANTA |
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| Federal Perspectives Panel |
Ray Rivera, Dept. of Interior |
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| Allison Binney, Senate Committee on Indian Affairs |
Rick Webster, U.S. Travel Association |
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| Ed Hall, Bureau of Indian Affairs |
Gerald Kinn, Environmental Systems Research |
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| Bill Hardman, Southeast Tourism Society |
Betty Huskins, Ridgetop Associates |
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| Kevin Coyle, National Wildlife Federation |
Jim Dion, National Geographic Society |