United States Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced today that North Carolina Secretary of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Reid Wilson has been appointed to the National Park System Advisory Board.
Wilson joins 15 new board members on the board, which advises the Interior Secretary and the Director of the National Park Service on matters relating to the Park Service’s work.
“National parks are some of the most visible and important forums for visitors to explore the outdoors and learn the complicated yet vital story of America,” said Secretary Haaland. “These new National Park System Advisory Board members represent experienced practitioners in cultural and natural resources management, as well as experts in relevant academic fields including environmental law, geography, and history. I look forward to their insight as we work to make our public lands accessible and inviting to all.”
“I’m honored to be appointed by Interior Secretary Haaland to serve on the National Park System Advisory Board,” said Secretary Wilson. “The National Park System and the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources share many of the same functions, and I look forward to working with the Board to preserve and enhance national and state cultural and natural treasures.”
In addition to its advisory role, the Board also has a regulatory role in recommending new National Natural Landmarks and National Historic Landmarks and provides recommendations regarding the national historic significance of proposed . The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources helps oversee many areas of common interest as the National Park Service, including parks, trails, land conservation, historic sites, historic preservation, recreation areas, archaeology, African American heritage, and American Indian heritage.
The terms of the appointed members are not to exceed four years. The Board will meet for the first time later this year.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the North Carolina Symphony, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.ncdcr.gov.