Reminder To:  Friends of Battlefield Preservation

As we have previously informed you, the Department of the Interior is seeking citizen input for the “America’s Great Outdoors” initiative — a program designed to promote land conservation and reconnect all Americans to our rich outdoor heritage. You can learn more about this exciting proposal through the Department of the Interior’s website.

The Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT) has proposed that battlefield preservation be a key element of this outstanding conservation initiative.  For more than a year, CWPT has encouraged senior administration officials to use this opportunity to commit resources for preservation of the nation’s remaining unprotected battlefield land as a lasting legacy of the Civil War Sesquicentennial (2011–2015).

If you have not already done so, we ask that you please take a few moments to express your support for the protection of our nation’s endangered Civil War battlegrounds.  Making your voice heard is easy – just take a few moments to provide feedback at the America’s Great Outdoors website.  For those who have already visited the website and voted for CWPT’s post, please feel free to also create your own post on the America’s Great Outdoors website.

When you visit the website , be sure to vote “promote” for battlefield preservation and offer your own personal thoughts on why this should be an Administration priority.  Here are a few points you may wish to consider including:

• Preserved Civil War battlefields are tangible links to a defining moment in our nation’s history.

• The 150th anniversary commemoration is expected to stimulate renewed interest in the conflict and generate unprecedented tourism to Civil War sites.

• Preserved battlefields revitalize local economies and create jobs by encouraging heritage tourism. In addition, preserved battlefield lands also save localities money by not requiring the use of sewer and other city/county services.

• Cultural and historic resources, such as battlefields, foster a sense of community and improve quality of life.  They are a source of pride for communities.

• Time is of the essence for preservation of Civil War battlefields and other historic parks in the eastern part of the United States.  Many of these parks are in urban and suburban areas, where development pressures are considerable.

• Preserved battlefields provide environmental benefits including protection of watersheds and wildlife habitats.

In addition, if you represent a Civil War Roundtable, preservation organization or battlefield friends group, please consider submitting formal comments on behalf of your organization by sending an email to ago@ios.doi.gov.  Thank you to the groups who have already submitted comments.

Please take a few moments to vote and reiterate the need for support of battlefield preservation in the Administration’s conservation and recreation agenda — just a few clicks of your mouse can have a big impact! 

Thank you for your ongoing support and for considering this request.

Cordially,

Jim Campi
Civil War Preservation Trust