More free days at national parks announced on Earth Day

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced on Earth Day -- and in the middle of fee-free National Parks Week -- that his department wanted to host the public sans entry fees several more times this year.From www.nationalparksonline.org:"What better way to celebrate this Earth Day than to make it easier...

By Eric Peterson

April 23, 2010

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Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced on Earth Day -- and in the middle of fee-free National Parks Week -- that his department wanted to host the public sans entry fees several more times this year.

From www.nationalparksonline.org:

"What better way to celebrate this Earth Day than to make it easier for all Americans to experience the breathtaking landscapes, amazing creatures, and the stories that make up our shared heritage," added Salazar. "By getting outdoors, we remind ourselves of our blessings and of the responsibility we all have to pass these lands on to our children and our grandchildren."

More from the post:

All national parks, national wildlife refuges, and many areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management will offer free admission on June 5-6, August 14-15, September 25 (Public Lands Day), and November 11 (Veterans Day). These dates are in addition to the previously announced free admission at all 392 national parks April 17-25 as part of the celebration of National Park Week.

Salazar also hyped the Obama administration's newly announced Great Outdoors Initiative, a new federal push for conservation and outdoor recreation. I'm not sure how effective it will be -- the specifics are still a bit vague.

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