Obama Administration officials are coming to Seattle and they want (need!) to hear from you!

There is no issue more crucial to the survival of the Southern Resident orcas than assuring them of a reliable source of Chinook salmon, please attend if you can, and spread the message of this important event.

Sent to us by wildsalmon.org

"Likely attendees, from what we hear, include:

Secy of Interior
Head of National Park Svc
Head of EPA
Head of White House Council on Environmental Quality

And see http://www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors/ and http://www.doi.gov/news/mediaadvisories/Public-Listening-Session-Announced-for-Americas-Great-Outdoors-Initiative-July-1-2010.cfm for more info

> Obama Administration officials are coming to Seattle and they want (need!) to hear from you!
>
> "America's Great Outdoors" Listening Session will be held on Thursday July 1st at Franklin High School. This is the most important opportunity in years to have your voice heard to help shape how our Northwest lands, rivers, fish and wildlife will be managed for the foreseeable future.
>
> And it represents a great opportunity to show Northwest support for restoring a healthy Snake River that works for everyone - salmon and other wildlife, and people in the fishing, farming, recreation, and other economies.
>
> Seattle's Listening Session may be the only one in the Pacific Northwest. It is an excellent opportunity to meet face-to-face with senior administration officials and tell them about the opportunity to restore a working Snake River by removing four federal dams in eastern Washington so that this important river can once again support healthy populations of wild salmon and steelhead, family wage jobs, and diverse recreational opportunities, while supporting prosperous farming communities at the same time.
>
> Please help Save Our Wild Salmon and many other salmon, fishing, and conservation advocates take advantage of this opportunity and send a clear message to the Obama Administration - please put this important Listening Session on your calendar and join us on July 1st at Franklin High School!
>
> See details below.
>
> If you can attend, please contact Dan or Sam right away, and we can answer any questions you have and make sure you have "Salmon Talking Points" to guide your comments on July 1st.
>
> Dan Drais: dan@wildsalmon.org 206-286-4455, x107
> Sam Mace: sam@wildsalmon.org 509-863-5696
>
> Everybody is welcome - but you can help the planners by signing up to attend here now.
>
> Northwest Listening Session and Discussion Information:
>
> WHEN: Thursday, July 1, 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
>
> WHAT: Public Listening Session on the President's America's Great Outdoors Initiative
>
> WHERE: Franklin High School at 3013 South Mount Baker Blvd, Seattle, Washington, 98144
>
> WHO: YOU! And representatives from DOI, USDA, EPA, and CEQ who will be present to hear your thoughts and to participate in a conversation with you about landscape conservation, salmon restoration, recreation, and reconnecting Americans to the great outdoors.
>
> MORE INFORMATION:
> You can find more information here at the America's Great Outdoors Initiative Online
> Dan Drais: dan@wildsalmon.org 206-286-4455, x107
> Sam Mace: sam@wildsalmon.org 509-863-5696
>
> A PUBLIC LISTENING SESSION ON THE PRESIDENT'S AMERICA'S GREAT OUTDOORS INITIATIVE
>
> In April, at the White House Conference on America's Great Outdoors, President Obama established the America's Great Outdoors Initiative to develop a conservation and recreation agenda worthy of the 21st century and to reconnect Americans with our great outdoors. The President understands that protecting and restoring the lands and waters that we love and reconnecting people to the outdoors must be community-driven and supported.
>
> The President directed the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality to lead this effort and to listen and learn from people all over the country. Please join senior representative of these agencies for a public listening session and discussion on land conservation, recreation, and reconnecting Americans to the great outdoors.
>
> In the Northwest, you and many other citizens and organizations are deeply involved in the conservation of working farms, forests, lakes, and rivers, scenic lands, and historic areas, and in celebrating and enjoying the region's rich outdoor and cultural heritage.
>
> This public listening session and discussion is an opportunity for leaders of the America's Great Outdoors Initiative to hear from you about solutions for building a 21st century conservation and recreation agenda and reconnecting all Americans with the outdoors.
>
> We look forward to seeing you there!
>
> Joseph, Sam, and Dan
> Save Our Wild Salmon
> www.wildsalmon.org
> www.workingsnakeriver.org"