The underhanded nature of Lyle Laverty's confirmation has me fuming. Laverty was installed as Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish and Wildlife and Parks even though Senator Wyden's "HOLD" remained in place. This confirmation should never have happened.

The wise-use lobby know as the American Recreation Coalition collaborated with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to get their man confirmed. They deserve to share the blame for all of the harm Laverty will do in his new position.

As I've warned for many months, Laverty is ARC's dream appointee. His forte is commercialization, privatization and the over-development of parks.

Some may find it of interest that although the media has yet to pick up the story, ARC's President, Derrick Crandall was quick to post his congratulations on ARC's website. His statement is appended.

In recent months I've identified as the two biggest potential threats to the National Park Service 1) Lyle Laverty's confirmation and 2) President Bush's National Park Centennial Initiative.

The first has just happened. The second can, perhaps, still be prevented.

Scott

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Lyle Laverty Confirmation
News Releases Posted on Tue, 10/30/2007 - 15:00.

Washington, D.C. (October 29, 2007) – The United States Senate has confirmed Presidential nominee Lyle Laverty to serve as Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. After hearings before two different Senate committees with near-unanimous votes for approval, the nomination remained in limbo for several months. Mr. Laverty’s appointment has been highly praised by the recreation community because of his outstanding qualifications. He spent 35 years with the USDA Forest Service and most recently served as Director of Colorado State Parks. Derrick Crandall, President of the American Recreation Coalition, stated, “Lyle Laverty’s distinguished career reflects a true dedication to and passion for recreation policy matters; for this reason we submitted testimony supporting his appointment.” Mr. Laverty is an original champion of the annual Partners Outdoors meeting and the WOW - Wonderful Outdoor World program. During his time with Colorado State Parks, Colorado increased park visitation, opened new state parks and improved overall park conditions. “The Department of the Interior will benefit from his executive leadership in a position that has been vacant for more than 18 months,” said Mr. Crandall.

As Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, Mr. Laverty will be responsible for overseeing policy for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service. Mr. Laverty’s expertise will aid the efforts for the National Park Centennial Initiative as new legislation for a Centennial Challenge Fund moves forward.

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