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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release May 11, 1998

           PRESIDENT NAMES MICHAEL HOOG AND DOUGLAS A. WILSON 
               AS MEMBERS OF THE AMERICAN HERITAGE RIVERS 
                     INITIATIVE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The President today announced his intent to appoint Michael Hoog and Douglas A. Wilson as Members of the American Heritage Rivers Initiative Advisory Committee.

Mr. Hoog, of Denver, Colorado, is currently an Associate at Patton Boggs, L.L.P. where he practices in corporate and environmental litigation and manages government and public policy matters. He is the former Press Secretary for the National Institute for Dispute Resolution. Mr. Hoog received his B.A. in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a J.D. from the University of Colorado School of Law.

Mr. Wilson, of Gridley, Illinois, is currently the Vice President of the Illinois Corn Growers Association, where he has served as Public Relations Chairman, Market Development Chairman and Legislative Chairman. From 1995 to 1997, he was the Director of the National Corn Growers Associations. Previous to serving in that position, he participated in the Farming Operation and was Chairman of the Loan Review Committee at the Farmers Home Administration. Mr. Wilson is the Chairman of the Vermillion River Watershed Task Force, the Co-Chair of the Upper Mississippi River Summit Watershed Committee, and a Member of the Machinaw River Partnership Biological Diversification Team. Mr. Wilson is a graduate of Illinois Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow.

The American Heritage Rivers Initiative supports community-led efforts related to rivers that spur economic revitalization, protects natural resources and the environment, and preserves historic and cultural heritage. The American Heritage Rivers Initiative Advisory Committee will review nominations from communities and recommend to the President up to 20 rivers, of which the President will designate ten to be "American Heritage Rivers." According to the needs identified, the respective communities along these rivers will receive special assistance under an umbrella initiative designed to more effectively use the federal government's many resources. Environmental, economic and social concerns will be addressed through a plan designed by each local community. The Advisory Committee consists of members appointed by the President, from both the public and private sectors. It represents natural, cultural and historic resources, scenic and recreation interests and economic development and industrial interests.

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