PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The U.S. Secretary of the Interior has visited Rhode Island to highlight the economic benefits of conservation and discuss plans for a new national historical park in the Blackstone Valley.
Sally Jewell was in the state Friday ahead of the celebration of National Trails Day on Saturday.
She and National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis visited Roger Williams Memorial in Providence, Slater Mill in Pawtucket and various sites in the Blackstone Valley. They also kayaked on the Blackstone River. U.S. Sen. Jack Reed says they discussed his legislation to create a national park within the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor.
Reed says the designation would bring important economic, environmental and cultural benefits to Rhode Island.
Jewell said tourism and outdoor recreation are huge economic engines for local communities.
