MEDIA ADVISORY

Top Interior Official Returns Home to Celebrate Earth Day
with New Mexico School Children

ALBUQUERQUE - Craig Manson, assistant secretary of the Interior for fish and wildlife and parks, will return to his childhood home to celebrate Earth Day at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge April 22, 2002.

"Growing up in New Mexico gave me a unique appreciation for our nation's natural wonders and diverse wildlife. I can't think of a more appropriate way to spend Earth Day than with New Mexico's future conservationists," Manson said.

At Monday's event, a falconer's owl, a full-size Mexican Wolf mount, a fire engine (spraying water and foam) and a D-7 dozer will be on hand to show children from Albuquerque's Zimmerly Elementary School examples of daily activity in the refuge. Students will also plant trees and shrubs with Judge Manson.

Following brief remarks at 9 a.m., Manson will host a media availability.

Who:        Craig Manson, Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish and 
                  Wildlife and Parks

What:       Earth Day Celebration remarks and media availability

When:      Monday, April 22 at 9 a.m., media availability at 9:30 a.m.

Where:     Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
                   From the north, take I-25 south to San Antonio exit 139, then
                   route 380 east .5 mile, then State Highway 1 south 8 miles
                   to refuge. From the south, take I-25 north to San Marcial,
                   then north on state highway 1 for 9 miles to refuge.

- DOI -