$2 Million To Preserve Cape Cod National Seashore Property

07/17/2006

WASHINGTON, DC – Senators Edward M. Kennedy and John F. Kerry announced today that the Senate Appropriations Committee today approved $2 million in funding to initiate the acquisition of 57 acres of the North of Highland Campground property.  The funding was included in the Senator Interior Appropriations bill, which should be considered on the Senate floor later this summer. 

"We’re so thankful that our colleagues have approved this funding to help ensure that future generations have the same ability to enjoy the wonder of the Cape Cod National Seashore," Senator Kennedy said.  "So many people have worked cooperatively to preserve this property, and to keep it open to the public, and we’re delighted to help support those efforts."

"This will help us further protect the Cape's green spaces from development and preserve this national treasure for generations to come," said Senator Kerry. "I am proud to have worked with Senator Kennedy and Congressman Delahunt on this effort."

"I have found this campground to be one of the most pristine and scenic areas in the entire park." Delahunt said today.   "I have been a strong supporter of this acquisition effort because all throughout our region, campers and those who love the outdoors are loosing access to campsites like this where families can visit and vacation together.  Our success to date is a tribute not only to the hard work of our Senators, but to the efforts of the Seashore, the Trust for Public Lands and local residents. "

"We applaud Senators Kennedy and Kerry for their leadership and commitment to protecting Massachusetts’ most important open spaces, recreational landscapes and wildlife resources for all to enjoy," said Craig MacDonnell, The Trust for Public Land’s Massachusetts State Director.  "The $2 million included in the Interior Appropriations bill is critically important to the conservation of Cape Cod’s rapidly diminishing open spaces, and represents the first major step to permanently conserve the North of Highland Campground for all residents of the Commonwealth and the Nation.  Given the severe budget constraints this year, and given this tough fiscal climate, what our Senators were able to do today for Massachusetts is nothing short of miraculous."

"The Association to Preserve Cape Cod is extremely pleased to learn of the funds allocated toward the purchase of the campgrounds. We are very grateful for the tremendous effort put forth by Senator Kennedy, Senator Kerry, as well as Congressman Delahunt, to help ensure that this important parcel of land within the Cape Cod National Seashore will be protected for future generations," said Maggie Geist, APCC Executive Director.

The total cost of this land acquisition project is $6.1 million to be completed in phases over the next few years.   The North of Highland Campground property is a family-owned private campground within the Seashore’s congressionally authorized boundary. 

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