A helping of heroism: congressional leaders talk about the future as they are awarded for their past endeavors.

As NRPA members gathered on Capitol Hill to meet with their representatives and senators, the day launched with a breakfast designed to allow our nation's leaders to be recognized for their work and support of parks and recreation.

Chairman of the Board Ron Lehman greeted NRPA advocates from 48 states, and asked them to bring the association's public policy message to the legislators with whom they were meeting. But more importantly, Lehman says it was a chance for members to say thank you to those in government who have supported park and recreation issues throughout the previous year.

Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), whose support of park and recreation issues and, specifically, his commitment to finding a permanent funding source for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), made him an especially worthy recipient. In his acceptance of the award, Alexander mentioned the Americans Outdoors Act, a bill which he co-sponsored. "I believe we need to have a conservation royalty so that whenever we have government revenues from drilling for oil or gas, some of that goes for funding of LWCF. Sen. [Mary] Landrieu (D-La.) and I introduced the Americans Outdoors Act, which would do that," he says. He also applauded the work of NRPA, and encouraged members to speak to their representatives.

Rep. Thomas Petri (R-Wis.) was also recognized for his work, but in a different area affecting parks and recreation--transportation. He was instrumental in leading the blouse to vote 327-90 to continue mandatory set-aside for transportation enhancements (which include trails and by-ways) in the Transportation Equity Act. He too, recognized the importance of visiting with legislators, saying, "In government, there seem to be very few permanent victories or defeats. That's one of the reasons you're organizing and being here year after year is so important." Petri says he will continue to push for "a more balanced transportation program with a variety of features that includes recreational opportunities."

Rep. John Olver (D-Mass.) like Petri, played a significant role in protecting appropriations for transportation enhancements. Olver is also an outspoken advocate for urban parks. He called enhancements "the oil that makes transportation projects move forward," and recognized that many times, recreational amenities help ease other controversial issues in a community when dealing with transportation projects.

Sen. Mike DeWine (R-Ohio) was recognized for his continuing leadership in containing juvenile delinquency through recreation and public strategies. When presented with the award, DeWine thanked NRPA and Ohio advocates for continued support of these issues.

Rep. Nick J. Rahall was given the National Congressional Award for his long-standing support for investment in public parks and their long-term protection. He shares his views on social, environmental and economic values associated with parks with other legislators. Rahall spent time with NRPA members from West Virginia, and discussed strategies with his constituents.

NRPA also presented a previously approved National Congressional Award to Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) for her key role in restoring funds for an important recreation demonstration grant program.