The Interior Department (DOI) will hold five virtual listening sessions to invite public comment on how to improve access to recreation for underserved communities.
The sessions, scheduled from Oct. 19-27, will focus on how some communities and individuals may face barriers to reaching Interior-managed public lands and waters. Feedback will shape the department’s America the Beautiful initiative regarding inequitable access to nature.
Each session requires advance registration, which is available at doi.gov/ppa/equity/13985. Three questions have been posed by the DOI to spur conversation: what are the barriers to visiting DOI-managed lands and waters, how can DOI remove those barriers for underserved communities, and how can DOI maintain greater connections to a more diverse and wide set of stakeholders?
“I believe that more people will truly care about our land, air, waters, animals, and outdoor places if they can experience them firsthand,” said Deb Haaland, DOI secretary. “It is up to all of us to make sure that happens in communities across the country.”
In addition to listening sessions on advancing equity in recreation, the DOI is holding sessions around advancing equity in Tribal discretionary grants as well as procurement and contracting.
