Statement by Barry W. McCahill, President, SUV Owners of America, Inc. on The President's National Park Centennial Initiative

WASHINGTON, June 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a Statement by Barry W. McCahill, President, SUV Owners of America, Inc. on The President's National Park Centennial Initiative:

Outdoor recreation is a lifestyle priority for tens of millions who enjoy RVing, camping, hiking, fishing, boating sports and much more.

Yesterday, that lifestyle received a tremendous boost that will result in even more people enjoying the fun, memories, and health benefits of gearing up and getting outdoors to experience our national treasures.

In a report to the President outlining potential actions to sustain and enhance our park system, the National Park Centennial Initiative proposes up to $3 billion of new public and private investment over the next 10 years to prepare parks for their 100th anniversary in 2016.

Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and National Park Service Director Mary Bomar deserve a big "thumbs up" for a creative, well-crafted roadmap for the future of our national parks, promising to deliver "another century of conservation, preservation and enjoyment."

The vision is especially commendable because it resulted from dozens of nationwide listening sessions with the American people and interested groups, and proudly reflects their wishes.

This is commendable government leadership, and SUVOA supports it enthusiastically.