Kilmer Attends State of the Union with Superintendent of Olympic National Park
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) attended President Obama’s last State of the Union address with Sarah Creachbaum, Superintendent of Olympic National Park. Creachbaum also serves as the co-chair of the National Park Service Wilderness Leadership Council. This year marks the National Park Service’s centennial and events will be held throughout 2016 to celebrate it.
The Olympic National Park encompasses nearly one million acres of Washington state and protects 73 miles of Pacific coastline. A study conducted by the National Park Service found that in 2014 alone, Olympic National Park visitors contributed $2.6 million to the local economy and supported 3,500 local jobs.
Creachbaum previously served as Superintendent of Haleakala National Park, War in the Pacific National Historical Park on the island of Guam, and American Memorial Park on the island of Saipan.
“It was an honor to invite Superintendent Creachbaum to the State of the Union address to shine a spotlight on what Olympic National Park means to our region,” said Kilmer. “It’s an iconic place where folks can take in the great outdoors. It also is a driver of our economy, creating positive opportunities for local small businesses and workers. On their 100th birthday our national parks remind us that they serve as an inspiration to many while protecting our environment and creating economic opportunities. It’s important that they receive bipartisan support so they can enjoy another successful 100 years.”
The national Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) recognized Kilmer with the Friend of the National Parks Award for his support of national parks in the last session of Congress. Kilmer is a cosponsor of the National Park Service Centennial Act which creates a challenge fund to support key projects through public-private partnerships to enhance the National Park System.
###