– February 9, 2009 – National Park Trust (NPT) is pleased to announce that California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will be the recipient of the 2009 Bruce F. Vento Award. This spring, NPT will recognize Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for his leadership and innovation in the protection of public lands in California and for his life-long commitment to children’s health and to connecting them with the outdoors.

NPT recognizes Governor Schwarzenegger’s outstanding record in land conservation, the highlights of which include the creation of the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, the protection of important coastal areas in California, the preservation and stewardship of related forests and stream habitat, and his initiatives promoting youth fitness and out-of-doors experiences, exemplified in California Children’s Bill of Rights.

NPT also celebrates the Governor’s belief in the value of public-private partnerships, including the necessity of bi-partisanship to achieve lasting environmental progress. His achievements in California epitomize NPT’s vision that “Everyone will have an American Park Experience”.

“¨Each year NPT honors a public servant with the Vento Award for his or her commitment to the environment and service, skill, and innovation in support of our public lands. The Award was established in 2000 by NPT to honor the memory and legacy of Bruce F. Vento, a twelve-term Congressman from Minnesota who was a committed environmentalist and a champion of legislation for America’s parks.

Recent recipients have included: Senator Harry Reid (NV), Congressman George Miller (CA) and Senator John McCain (AZ). The award is presented annually in the spring at a reception in Washington, DC.

If you would like to purchase tickets to the event or become a title sponsor, contact NPT Development Director, Jeannette Mendonca, at 301-279-7275 or email [email protected]. All proceeds to benefit NPT’s land conservation and youth education programs.