ODNR members hosted briefing to prepare legislators on budget challenges

Jan. 31, 2007 - ODNR union activists and their coalition partners co-hosted an event to educate legislators and their staff about the critical needs for state parks and other divisions within ODNR. The “Natural Resources Summit” took place yesterday at the Riffe Center from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

PHOTO CAPTION: Union activists, managers, and friends of parks gathered yesterday to educate new legislators about ODNR's budget challenges. MORE PHOTOS

The morning agenda featured Phil McKnelly, the current Executive Director of the National Association of State Park Directors, who discussed funding trends and issues in other states.

The afternoon session highlighted five of ODNR’s past directors who will discuss special challenges they faced during their tenure.

The educational summit was designed specifically for lawmakers as they begin to deliberate on the budget and agency resources for the next biennium.

The event is being sponsored by a coalition group concerned about Ohio’s state parks and other natural resources. The broad coalition includes:

• OCSEA / AFSCME Local 11
• Friends for the Preservation of Ohio State Parks
• The Nature Conservancy
• The Ohio Environmental Council
• The Ohio Parks and Recreation Association and
• numerous other organizations.

See Related

Photo Gallery - More images from ODNR Summit

News Article from the The Youngstown Vindicator

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