Carter to visit Merced in May

MERCED — Former President Jimmy Carter will visit the University of California at Merced on May 3 to deliver the keynote address at a National Parks Institute seminar.

Carter will speak as part of an 11-day leadership program for senior executives in the field of park and public land management from around the world.

His talk will focus on the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, which he signed into law in 1980 to protect tens of millions of acres of land in the 49th state.

"The opportunity for park leaders from around the world to hear from President Carter on the establishment of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act offers a spectacular learning opportunity," said Steve Shackelton, former Yosemite National Park chief ranger and National Park Service associate director for visitor and resource protection.

Carter in 2002 was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his lifetime achievements in the areas of international peace, human rights, democracy, and economic and social development.

"UC Merced is deeply honored to welcome President Carter to our campus in May," said Steve Kang, UC Merced chancellor. "In his attitude and in his actions, he exemplifies extraordinary human qualities of compassion, determination, leadership and humility that are critically needed in our global society. This will be a great day for a young campus that strives to teach these same qualities to the future leaders of our state, our nation and the world."

The National Parks Institute is a collaborative venture of UC Merced and the National Park Service that provides management development curriculum for park and public land managers, promotes scientific research in parks, fosters stewardship, and promotes and develops environmentally sustainable resource management practices.

It was introduced by Congress in 2003 under legislation sponsored by Reps. George Radanovich, R-Mariposa, and Dennis Cardoza, D-Merced.

The NPI Executive Leadership Seminar begins April 27 at the Institute of the Golden Gate in San Francisco, moves to UC Merced on May 3 and concludes with several days in Yosemite. Limited to 30 participants, the sessions aren't open to the public.