In a Final Move, Obama Calls for Diversity Among Federal Land Management Workforce

Today President Barack Obama issued a presidential memorandum on diversity and inclusion, in response to an acute underrepresentation of people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds in the work force of federal land management agencies. The president’s memo directs these agencies to adopt changes in recruitment, hiring and retention that will establish an employee base more inclusive and truly representative of the American people.

Below please find a statement from Theresa Pierno, President and CEO of National Parks Conservation Association

“We commend President Obama for taking seriously the lack of diversity in the federal work force, particularly when it comes to land management. This presidential memorandum is a step forward, but it is far from the only step we must take. We challenge the incoming administration to seize this momentum and make these recommendations a reality. The success of our national parks and public lands depends on the creation of a diverse and fully engaged community of visitors, and creating and sustaining a truly representative federal work force to welcome them.”

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About National Parks Conservation Association Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than one million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s natural, historic, and cultural heritage for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.