STATE OF CONNECTICUT

BY HER EXCELLENCY

M. JODI RELL

GOVERNOR

EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 21

WHEREAS, it is sound public policy for  the State of Connecticut to conserve, improve and protect its natural resources and environment in order to enhance the health, safety and welfare of the people of this state; and

WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut has an especially compelling interest in ensuring the health, safety and welfare of its children, so today’s children may become the foundation of tomorrow’s society; and

WHEREAS, the health, safety and welfare of many of Connecticut’s children are at risk due to limited physical activity; and

WHEREAS, the well-being of our children is further threatened by “nature deficit disorder” because the appeal of television, “high tech” devices and other lifestyle trends have caused them to spend increasing amounts of time indoors; and

WHEREAS, children who do not spend time outdoors will not learn to enjoy and appreciate nature and Connecticut’s natural environment, and are less likely to become environmental stewards as adults; and

WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut recognizes that family interaction is fundamental to the nurturing and development its children and that the demands placed on families in today’s society make it challenging to find opportunities for them to spend quality time together; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Environmental Protection (hereinafter “the Department”) is the public steward of a remarkable system of 138 state parks and forests that provide the people of this state with many opportunities to camp, fish, hike, boat, or to appreciate the outdoors, and these parks and forests also provide an excellent “living environmental classroom,” and

WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut has taken steps to reconnect families and children with the outdoors, to encourage family interaction and to nurture the next generation of environmental stewards through the development of the “No Child Left Inside” initiative, (hereinafter “NCLI”); and

WHEREAS, the NCLI initiative offers a safe and friendly atmosphere, structured outdoor activities and “hands on” environmental education within Connecticut’s beautiful state park system; and

WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut is working closely with other groups and organizations that are also focused on the challenge of getting children and families back outside and out into the world of nature.

NOW THEREFORE, I, M. Jodi Rell, Governor of the State of Connecticut, acting by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER AND DIRECT:

1. That the Commissioner of Environmental Protection shall establish a Foundation, to be known as the No Child Left Inside Foundation, Inc., (hereinafter the “Foundation”), in accordance with the procedures and requirements set forth in sections 4-37e through 4-37j, inclusive, of the Connecticut General Statutes.

2. That the Foundation shall be an independent, privately governed, nonprofit corporation chartered under the laws of the State of Connecticut and established for the principal purpose of soliciting, receiving, and distributing private funds to support programs associated with the Department’s No Child Left Inside initiative – as well as other efforts directed at reconnecting families and children with the outdoors.

3. That the Foundation shall be composed of a Board of Directors to be appointed by the Governor.

4. That the Commissioner of Environmental Protection or the Commissioner’s designee shall be a non-voting, ex-officio member of the Foundation.

That this Order shall take effect immediately.