Secretary of the Interior proposes projects aimed to improve natural resources in Hampton

Two Virginia projects will be included in a 50-state report on the best investments nationwide that promote recreation and conserve wildlife.

In a press release about the projects, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar pointed to Fort Monroe and the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail as being part of America's Great Outdoors initiative by President Obama.

Salazar is quoted in the press release as saying, "Under the America's Great Outdoors initiative, we are listening to the people of Virginia and communities across America and working with them on locally-based projects that will conserve the beauty and health of our land and water and open up more opportunities for people to enjoy them. My staff and I have been asking each governor for the most promising projects to support in their states, and we will do all we can to help move them forward."

The projects are also designed to stimulate the economy, creating travel, tourism and outdoor recreation jobs.

Salazar says, "Initiative turns the conventional wisdom about the federal government's role in conservation on its head. Rather than dictate policies or conservation strategies from Washington, it supports grassroots, locally-driven initiatives."

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