U.S. Interior focuses $11 million on parks

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of the Interior Sunday announced plans to spend more than $11 million enhancing national park units, wildlife refuges and tribal lands.

In a press release, the office of Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar indicated more than $286,000 funded by President Barack Obama's economic recovery package will be spent at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The statement said the plan will create jobs and stoke economic growth in Minnesota.

"Because it is so close the city, (the Minnesota refuge) offers parents and families a way to connect with nature and get exercise," Salazar said. "Every child should have the opportunity to experience a place as special as this."

In 2006, the refuge began an environmental education program emphasizing long-term learning for students and teachers. The program includes a curriculum that involves experience with plants and wildlife and is intended especially to reach inner-city youth.

The Department of the Interior plans to invest $3 billion public lands projects and provide jobs to Americans, the release said.

The public can follow the development of each project on the recovery web site and at www.interior.gov/recovery.