What is the Preserve America initiative?
Preserve America is a national initiative that was announced by First Lady Laura Bush on March 3, 2003. It was developed in cooperation with a number of Federal agency partners to encourage and support community efforts for the preservation and enjoyment of our priceless cultural and natural heritage. Currently, it includes a Presidential Awards program; recognition and designation of Preserve America Communities (including municipalities, counties, Indian tribes, and urban neighborhoods); technical and financial support; and educational outreach. Through a related Executive Order signed by President Bush on March 3, 2003, it also directs Federal agencies to take steps to support local preservation and heritage tourism efforts with their programs and with the public lands and property they manage.
