Interior Department and AFL-CIO’s Union Sportsmen’s Alliance Sign Agreement to Restore Minnesota National Parks and Other Public Lands

Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Interior and the AFL-CIO affiliated Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding announcing national park revitalization efforts in eight states, including Minnesota, through the USA’s all-volunteer “Work Boots on the Ground” program.

“Nobody is prouder of our state’s national parks than Minnesotans and we will work hard to make sure they remain a natural wonder for generations to come,” said Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson. “Minnesota’s workers are some of the best in the country, and together we can keep our parks among the best in the world.”

The MOU outlines a mutual commitment to the cooperative “Work Boots on the Ground” program among the Department of the Interior and its three land-managing bureaus and the AFL-CIO, acting through the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance. ‘Shovel-ready’ projects in Minnesota include restoration efforts at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and Grand Portage National Monument.

“America’s workers are committed to doing our part to save our nation’s parks and restore our public lands,” said Richard Trumka, President of the AFL-CIO and Chairman of the USA. “The USA was established to unite the union community for conservation under a single banner, to protect our most precious and beautiful lands, waters and wild spaces.”

The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance created the all-volunteer “Work Boots on the Ground” program in 2010 to provide a framework to recruit and coordinate members of the labor union community to volunteer their expert trade skills for conservation projects. In 2013, the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance announced the launch of its park program.  Since then, park projects have been completed in several states, saving agencies thousands of dollars.  The park projects are in addition to many other “Work Boots on the Ground” projects around the country, including Get Youth Outdoors Day and Take Kids Fishing Day events in three cities.

“This agreement with the AFL-CIO and the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance is really a win-win,” said Secretary Jewell. “Not only will our nation’s parks and public lands benefit from the expert labor, but many young people will have an opportunity to work alongside the union volunteers, learning about the great outdoors and gaining important trade skills. I applaud the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance for their work to continue to strengthen the nation through volunteer efforts that will make a big difference in conservation projects across the country.”

The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance reports there are more than 7 million union members who recreate regularly in the outdoors, making them one of the nation’s largest single constituencies of outdoor users.

Yesterday’s agreement complements the Interior Department’s youth initiative to inspire millions of veterans and young people to play, learn, serve and work outdoors.  The Memorandum of Understanding emphasizes that, when possible, the AFL-CIO and Union Sportsmen’s Alliance will work collaboratively with youth and veteran corps in order to share experience and expertise.