Biden-Harris Administration Outlines “America the Beautiful” Initiative
Monday May 10th, 2021 The Biden-Harris administration has outlined a vision for how the United States can work collaboratively to conserve and restore the lands, waters, and wildlife that support and sustain the nation. The recommendations are contained in a report released today (PDF, 540 KB) outlining a locally led and voluntary nationwide conservation goal to conserve 30 percent of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.
The report calls for a decade-long effort to support locally led and voluntary conservation and restoration efforts across public, private, and Tribal lands and waters in order to create jobs and strengthen the economy’s foundation; tackle the climate and nature crises; and address inequitable access to the outdoors.
Initial report details vision for 10-year locally led and voluntary nationwide effort to restore and conserve America’s lands, waters, and wildlife
Today the Biden-Harris administration outlined a vision for how the United States can work collaboratively to conserve and restore the lands, waters, and wildlife that support and sustain the nation. The recommendations are contained in a report released today, outlining a locally led and voluntary nationwide conservation goal to conserve 30 percent of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.
The report calls for a decade-long effort to support locally led and voluntary conservation and restoration efforts across public, private, and Tribal lands and waters in order to create jobs and strengthen the economy’s foundation; tackle the climate and nature crises, and address inequitable access to the outdoors.
In particular, they found that runoff from the 2016 Tax Day flood and the 2017 Hurricane Harvey flood carried human waste into the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. The marine protected area is festooned with sponges and corals. It is also home to various creatures, including whale sharks and manta rays.
Adrienne Correa, a marine biologist who was part of the research team, said they’ve always thought the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary was safe from terrestrial runoff. She added that it was a jolt to realize that even offshore ecosystems can be significantly affected as well.
Correa and her colleagues published their findings in April in the journal
Flooding in Houston polluted reefs more than 100 miles offshore nsf.gov - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from nsf.gov Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Divers usually seek out distant waters for their adventures, but there’s plenty of places to explore closer to home, according to the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). During the pandemic, the group has seen interest grow in online instruction, and certification at local dive shops.
“Divers are finding adventures in their own backyards,” says Kristin Valette-Wirth, chief brand and membership officer for the group. She shares some favorite close-to-home diving spots with USA TODAY.
Dutch Springs
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
This 50-acre lake lures divers with underwater platforms, submerged vehicles and sunken aircrafts, along with freshwater fish, including rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegills, koi, yellow perch and goldfish. (Open mid-April-September with select dates in October, November and December)