As Summer Begins, James M. Hughes, Acting Director of DOI's Bureau of Land
Management Encourages Americans to Visit America's National Treasures and
'Share the Experience' through Annual Photo Contest
WASHINGTON, May 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This Memorial Day
Weekend, to kick off the un-official vacation season, the Department of the
Interior's Bureau of Land Management Acting Director, James M. Hughes will
announce the official launch of the Federal Recreation Lands Share the
Experience Photo Contest, encouraging Americans to explore and experience
the best of America and share their souvenir photos online. Hughes will
also award the Grand Prize from the 2006 Share the Experience Photo Contest
and unveil the winning image.
"Summer is a wonderful time to grab a camera and get out and immerse
yourself in our great country," said Hughes. "Aside from experiencing the
rich history, culture and natural beauty of America's treasured lands,
Americans will have an opportunity to share that experience with others by
entering the Share the Experience national photo contest."
Hughes will present a special award to this year's Grand Prize winner,
Terry Worstell of Naperville, IL, who will receive national recognition
when his photo of Alabama Hills National Recreation Area is featured on the
cover of the 2008 Federal Lands Pass.
A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Terry (64) has made exploring America's
protected lands an annual tradition. Every year, Terry spends a week or
more visiting one of our nation's public lands, often focusing his travels
on some of the more remote areas for exploration and discovery. Of his
photo, Terry said, "I first saw Alabama Hills on the cover of a local
travel book." And, "even though it was quite off the beaten path, I knew it
was one of those special places in America where the experience is well
worth the hike!"
The 2007 Share the Experience Photo Contest runs from May 26, 2007
through December 31, 2007. Sponsored by the Ford Motor Company and the
National Park Foundation in partnership with the National Park Service, the
Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest Service, the Share the Experience
Photo Contest showcases the more than 500 million acres of Federal Lands
and draws entries from all across the United States. Individuals can enter
and view official rules at http://www.sharetheexperience.org.
The public can also visit the site to view a gallery of current
entrants. All entrants have the opportunity to win one of fourteen exciting
prize packages. The Grand Prize package includes a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid,
the earth's first full-hybrid SUV, and the international honor of having
the winning image grace the cover of the 2009 "Federal Recreation Lands
Pass," an annual Lands pass priced at $80 that provides access to all
participating Federal Land Management Agency sites where entrance and
standard amenity fees are charged.
"Terry's story demonstrates how some of the best memories in America
are made by getting out and experiencing our nation's open spaces," said
Ziad Ojakli, group vice president, Government and Community Relations, Ford
Motor Company. "Ford is pleased to sponsor the 2007 Share the Experience
Photo Contest. We encourage everyone to visit America's treasured public
lands and actively participate in the future preservation of this
incredible resource."
A long-time Proud Partner of America's National Parks, Ford Motor
Company is committed to helping preserve and protect America's National
Parks. Ford and its philanthropic arm, Ford Motor Company Fund, have worked
closely with the National Park Foundation and National Park Service through
wide-ranging transportation initiatives, including placing more than 200
"interpreters" and 27 Master's and PhD-level "scholars" in parks to promote
the use of environmentally friendly vehicles. Ford has also donated
hundreds of environmentally responsible vehicles to the National Park
System.
The Share the Experience Photo Contest launch took place at 10:00 a.m.
on Saturday, May 26, 2007 at the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, adjacent to The
Georgetown Visitors Center at 1057 Thomas Jefferson St., NW Washington, DC.
Entry deadline for the competition is December 31, 2007. For more
information, visit http://www.sharetheexperience.org .
About the National Park Foundation
The National Park Foundation (http://www.nationalparks.org) is a
501(c)(3) organization chartered by Congress in 1967 to continue a
century-long tradition of private philanthropy ensuring funding to preserve
and enhance the legacy of our National Parks. As the official non-profit
partner of America's National Parks, the National Park Foundation does not
receive federal appropriations for their support. The National Park
Foundation serves to strengthen the connection between the American people
and their national parks by raising private funds, making strategic grants,
creating innovative partnerships and increasing public awareness. Support
of the National Park Foundation ensures that the evolving history and rich
heritage of our Nation remains vital and relevant.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in
Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets
across six continents. With about 260,000 employees and about 100 plants
worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include
Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, Aston Martin and Mazda.
The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.
For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit
http://www.fordvehicles.com.
Contacts:
Anne Marek Tom Hoyt
National Park Foundation Ford Motor Company
202-354-6480 313-322-1525
Amarek@nationalparks.org Thoyt@ford.com
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