Legislation/Policy News
National | Access
Department of the Interior – February 08, 2010
Salazar Unveils New “Youth in the Great Outdoors” Initiative
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar emphasized the importance of connecting young people with nature when he proposed significant expansion of the Youth in the Great Outdoors initiative. “The future of America’s treasured landscapes depends upon the next generation’s understanding of and connection to the great outdoors," said Salazar. As part of his FY 2011 budget proposal, Salazar is requesting large increases in education and recreation programs that engage youth of all ages. [+]
National
Gotham Gazette – November 30, 2009
Congress Considers Federal Funding for City Parks
By Anne Schwartz
Legislation has been introduced in Congress that would provide federal funding for urban parks and recreation for the first time in eight years. Among the benefits cited by those supporting the funding: improving and increasing the number of places where children can play outdoors, get involved in sports, and experience nature.
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State
WREX - Rockford Illinois – February 26, 2009
Quinn Reverses Blago Decision, Reopens Seven State Parks
By Samantha Ptashkin
On February 26, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn gave the order to reopen seven state parks. Quinn said in a news conference, "We have perhaps among children and adults and everybody in our state a 'nature-deficit disorder' and we've got to cure that ailment and there's one way to do it. All of us have to get outside."
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State
New State DNR Chief Has Long-Standing Love of Outdoors
Mark Miller's father and grandfather taught him that if he took care of nature, nature would take care of him. Miller, appointed by Governor Quinn to head the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, has two main goals during his tenure: to increase outdoor opportunities of all kinds and to get more young people outside.
“We spent a lot of my early childhood (on the farm). It was a wonderful place to connect with the land.”
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National
National Wildlife Federation – February 23, 2010
NWF Releases State Policy Solutions Guide
By Allen Cooper
From the issuing of special proclamations to the training of teachers in environmental science, there are numerous actions that state policymakers can take to reconnect children and families with nature. The National Wildlife Federation has compiled a guide to help states develop comprehensive plans that coordinate all the policy tools at their disposal.
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National | Health
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – January 28, 2010
U.S. Surgeon General Advocates Outdoor Play
In her first release to the nation, Surgeon General Regina Benjamin is encouraging communities to build and enhance infrastructures to support more walking and bicycling, and to improve the safety of neighborhoods to facilitate outdoor physical activity. The Surgeon General’s Vision for a Healthy and Fit Nation highlights the alarming trend of obesity in this country, especially among young people, and asks all Americans to join her in a grassroots effort to commit to changes that promote the health and wellness of our families and communities. [+]
National | Access
Seattle Times – August 18, 2009
News of Increase in Park Visits Sparks Optimism
By Matthew Daly
The National Park Service’s announcement that there were 4.5 million more visits to national parks in the first half of this year compared to the same period a year ago has prompted much speculation about the cause for the increase. In addition to lower gas prices and the waiving of entrance fees three weekends this summer, the growing awareness of nature-deficit disorder and efforts by groups affiliated with the children and nature movement are believed to have been contributing factors.
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Commentary | Education
New York Times Magazine – April 29, 2009
New York Times Magazine: Kindergarten Cram
By Peggy Orenstein
Kindergarten has changed in the last few decades, and not necessarily for the better, writes Peggy Orenstein in the New York Times Magazine. Rather than letting children engage in free play, the typical kindergarten class today focuses on standardized tests and literacy exercises. Orenstein questions this trend, and finds support for her beliefs in the “Crisis in the Kindergarten” report by the Alliance for Childhood.
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State
Dallas Morning News – April 03, 2009
Dallas Morning News Backs Funding for Texas Parks
The editorial board of the Dallas Morning News, citing the increased popularity of camping during these tough economic times, is calling on state lawmakers to grant the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department its full funding request for the next biennium. “The state ought to be increasing parks funding—not in spite of tough times, but because of them.” [+]
State
DeSoto Times – February 20, 2009
Bill Would Offer Incentives to Developers for Building Trails
By Robert Lee Long
A bill in the Mississippi State Legislature would give up to a $1,000 tax credit to developers who build walking trails, playgrounds, bike paths, or similar amenities. “It’s a good incentive for developers, and it’s a good bill that promotes getting children outside,” said DeSoto County Greenways Coordinator Larry Jarrett. “A lot of our children suffer from nature-deficit disorder.” The bill is currently in the Senate Finance Committee.
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