WASHINGTON, D.C — Lower Elwha Klallam tribal Chairwoman Frances Charles will participate today in a White House-sponsored conference in Washington, D.C., that will focus on the link between conservation and strong local economies, the White House announced Thursday.
The “White House Conference on Conservation: Growing America’s Outdoor Heritage and Economy” will bring together boaters, anglers, farmers, land and historic preservationists, small-business owners and local governments to “explore the link between conservation and strong local economies through tourism, outdoor recreation and healthy lands, waters and wildlife,” the White House said.
Charles will be on a panel titled “Restoring Rivers: Building Resilience for People and Wildlife.”
The conference will be live-streamed from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time at www.doi.gov/live.
A specific time for Charles’ participation was not available Thursday, and Charles was unavailable for comment Thursday.
Conference participants will include Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar.
‘Vital roles’
In selecting Charles, the White House cited her “vital roles” in the recovery of the ancient Tse-whit-zen village off Marine Drive in Port Angeles, which was uncovered beginning in 2003 and is among the largest archaeological finds in the nation.
The White House also cited Charles’ support of the Tribal Canoe Journey and the tribe’s native language program.
Department of Interior Deputy Press Secretary Jordan Montoya, in an email Thursday, also cited Charles’ involvement in the $325 million Elwha River restoration project.
“Frances Charles has been an important leader of the Lower Elwha Klallam tribe during a critical phase of the restoration of the Elwha River, and her unique perspective on river restoration will greatly add to the discussion at the conference,” Montoya said.
The conference is connected with President Barack Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors Initiative.
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Senior Staff Writer Paul Gottlieb can be reached at 360-417-3536 or at paul.gottlieb@peninsuladailynews.com.
