"In-District Lobby Day 2008" Allows Communication with Congressional Leaders

The American Society of Landscape Architects is pleased to announce plans for the second annual In-District Lobby Day. This event, which will take place on Wednesday, February 20, 2008, provides landscape architects a chance to meet with their congressional representatives in their district offices to discuss issues important to the profession.

Last year’s In-District Lobby Day was a huge success. Approximately 100 ASLA members met with their representatives to discuss support for the Historic American Landscapes Survey (HALS) and the Small Community Visioning Pilot Program. The event built a rapport between ASLA members and their legislators that resonated during ASLA’s 2007 Lobby Day in Washington, D.C., and throughout the legislative session. Congressional representatives expressed a great deal of interest in both issues. In fact, the Small Community Visioning Pilot Program legislation resonated with several members of Congress and was later introduced as a stand-alone bill.

In-District Lobby Day 2008 issues will include continuing to educate members of Congress on HALS and the need for congressional funding for this vital program. HALS was established by ASLA, the National Park Service, and the Library of Congress to document significant landscapes, including historic battlegrounds and urban parks or plazas. Through documentation, HALS preserves the physical character of significant landscapes, including many that are threatened due to sprawl, neglect, or other means. ASLA is requesting $1.2 million to support HALS in the fiscal year 2009 Interior Appropriations bill. This year’s In-District Lobby Day will also focus on climate change, including encouraging green roofs and other green infrastructure efforts as a way to mitigate global warming.