(Van Buren, MO) – The renovation and utilization of the old Welch Lodge on the upper Current River as a conservation education center at Ozark National Scenic Riverways is one of 201 proposals National Park Service Director Mary Bomar and Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne announced at a press conference in Yosemite National Park August 23 to celebrate the 91st anniversary of the NPS.

“The National Park Service has, after a rigorous review, certified these proposals as eligible for centennial challenge matching funds,” Bomar said. “And they are ready to go in Fiscal Year 2008 which begins Oct. 1.”

The project is one of nearly $370 million of proposals eligible for centennial challenge matching funds. Upon the completion of the renovation stage, Camp Current River will bring urban and rural youth together in a park setting for educational summer camps that provide authentic learning adventures focused on resource stewardship and use of sustainable green technology.

Director Bomar said, “The centennial challenge is a critical element in the National Park Centennial Initiative put forward by President Bush and unveiled by Secretary Kempthorne one year ago. The full centennial initiative is a potential $3 billion investment in our national parks, two-thirds of it a public-private partnership of matching money.”

Locally, Superintendent Noel Poe said. “The Green Center, based in St. Louis, has committed to matching money for the $1,200,000 endeavor. The new fiscal year begins Oct. 1, 2007, and we are excited to get this centennial project underway.”

Superintendent Poe also announced that the Centennial Initiative, if approved for funding, will result in additional local benefits. “We will be able to hire an additional 25 employees in the park for temporary summer positions in law enforcement, interpretation, and maintenance.” Poe explained, “We should also see an increase in our operating budget that will allow us to provide more services to the public.”