March 9, 2003
Dear Ms. Scarlet:
On behalf of Friends of the Potomac we are writing to request your continued support of the American Heritage Rivers Initiative. This Initiative, specifically through the River Navigator Program, has aided our efforts to protect one of the most extraordinary landscapes in the United States – the Potomac River.
The Potomac is a place of great natural, cultural, and historic distinction. Five years ago, citizens from all areas of the region decided to turn the challenges posed by geographic and political diversity into opportunities – promoting better cooperation across political borders and encouraging citizens to remember that a watershed is a type of community, requiring cooperation and consensus among its populace. In 1998, Friends of the Potomac organized to promote the development of leaders and organizations to work in concert to sustain the beauty, individuality and health of our shared natural and historic resources. The River Navigator Program and the partnership between Friends of the Potomac and the National Park Service has had a direct impact on communities in the Potomac basin.
A reinstatement of the Navigator Partnership will allow us to continue these ideals through programs directed toward:
- Environmental Leadership Development - not only for nonprofit organizations but also businesses and local governments;
- Building Innovative, Effective Partnerships - creating practical linkages among nonprofits, businesses and government agencies;
- Community Assistance - an initiative addressing immediate needs of our stakeholders. Priority items include drinking water protection, community development and redevelopment, and environmental finance assistance.
Though Friends of the Potomac has not had a River Navigator for more than a year, the partnership with National Park Service has continued and has resulted in the development and implementation of several innovative projects. For example, with National Park Service support, Friends conducted a survey of education-based organizations throughout the Potomac basin. The Potomac Environmental and Leadership Youth Programs Directory is currently being developed into an Internet-based tool located on the Friends of the Potomac Web site.
Our partnership has directly impacted on communities in the Potomac basin. Recently, Friends and NPS have partnered on a project to promote and enhance citizen involvement in community decision-making on Virginia’s Northern Neck, a region of great natural, cultural, and historical significance. Friends has also been working with several groups on issues such as developing the Potomac Heritage Trail, understanding and managing growth, and developing sustainable economies and effective community development.
The successful relationship between Friends of the Potomac and the National Park Service is an example of effective public/private partnerships, and is a model of the effectiveness of the American Heritage Rivers Initiative. We request your continued support over the next three years as we continue to protect one of our nation’s most valuable resources – the Potomac River.
Sincerely,
Daniel Nees, Executive Director Glenn Eugster, Assistant Regional Director
Friends of the Potomac Partnership Office,
National Park Service,
National Capital Region
No comments:
Post a Comment