Issued 2017-01-12 by Barack Obama
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
This memorandum directs federal agencies that manage public lands and waters—including the Department of the Interior, the U.S. Forest Service, and others—to promote diversity and inclusion in how these spaces are used and managed. The action emphasizes that federal lands like National Parks and National Forests belong to all Americans regardless of background, income, age, gender, culture, or religion, and aims to ensure all segments of the population can experience these spaces and participate in decisions about how they're managed.
The memorandum addresses three main areas: making public lands and waters more accessible and welcoming to Americans who haven't regularly visited them, ensuring diverse representation in the federal workforce that manages these lands, and integrating diversity and inclusion practices into agencies' broader planning efforts. It builds on existing initiatives like "Every Kid in a Park" that aimed to expand access during the Obama administration.
This action matters because it seeks to make America's natural and historic public spaces—which include sites honoring figures from Harriet Tubman to Cesar Chavez—more accessible to communities that may have faced barriers to enjoying them. It also aims to ensure the people making decisions about managing these lands reflect the diversity of the American public.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Administration of Barack Obama, 2017 Memorandum on Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in Our National Parks, National Forests, and Other Public Lands and Waters January 12, 2017 Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies Subject: Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in Our National Parks, National Forests, and Other Public Lands and Waters Our Federal lands and waters are among our Nation's greatest treasures—from our National Parks and National Forests, to our wild and scenic rivers, recreation areas, and other public lands and waters. These natural and historic sites give us fresh air and clean water, places for recreation and inspiration, and support for our local communities and economies. As a powerful sign of our democratic ideals, these lands belong to all Americans—rich and poor, urban and rural, young and old, from all backgrounds, genders, cultures, religious viewpoints, and walks of life. Our public lands and waters are treasured in part because they tell the story of our Nation. They preserve the history from our Nation's wars, protect cultural sites considered sacred to countless Americans, and honor the accomplishments of distinctly American leaders ranging from Harriet Tubman to Abraham Lincoln to Cesar Chavez. I am pr