The OIA is quite pleased with the recent presidential proclamation which officially declared June “Great Outdoors Month.” The language used in the document was remarkably similar to much of the language the OIA has been using in its efforts on Capitol Hill to boost participation in outdoor activities. Most in the industry see this as a very positive step, but there is still much skepticism about the administrations record to-date.
“This proclamation came at the request of Michael Suk, the White House Fellow weve been working with at the Department of Interior and coincided with our Get Fit w/US Event in Minneapolis,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, President of the OIA. “OIA is pleased to see the President and his Administration recognize the important role active outdoor recreation plays in the health of all Americans. It is clear the Administration is now much more aware of our Industry.”
In the proclamation, the similarities with the Active Lifestyles report are most apparent when President Bush said, “Outdoor recreation is an ideal way to exercise and enjoy memorable experiences with family and friends, and all across our country are scenic places that sports and nature enthusiasts can explore and help keep beautiful.”
The SGMA is voicing its support of the declaration as well. Mike May, the associations director of communications, told BOSS, “SGMA International applauds and supports efforts by all organizations which put the spotlight on sports, recreational, outdoor, and fitness issues. Concepts like Great Outdoors Day enable Americans to learn more about the outdoor opportunities available throughout the year in all 50 states.”
The announcement is a clear indication that the Bush administration understands, at least in part, the OIAs agenda, and may be sympathetic. Not everyone in the industry is convinced, and many consider this one small step forward after a hundred steps back.
“It is wonderful that the president recognizes the incredible assets that exist in this country's wild lands; it is wonderful that he recognizes the role that wild lands have played in the development of the American mind set ” said Black Diamond CEO and OIA board member, Peter Metcalf. “However what is challenging is to comprehend how a president who recognizes all this can have such a callous disregard for the preservation and protection of this Wildlands heritage…”
According to the Sierra Club, the Bush administration has weakened protections on 234 million acres of once preserved land and signed into law policies which prevent the Bureau of Land Management from inventorying and protecting wilderness. These are some of the same issues that caused the OIA to threaten Leavitt, Utahs former governor, with trade-show relocation last year.
In spite of this environmental record, much of the industry appears to be looking at the silver lining.
“All of us in the outdoor industry understand how important getting outdoors is to our health, but mainstream America really doesn't. With all the competing interests in Washington, it's remarkably rare that a truly valuable and important message can surface through all the muck,” said Kim Coupounas, GoLites co-founder & CEO. “While not everyone in our industry agrees with this President's stances on issues, there can be no doubt about the White House's ability to make an impact on America's thinking through the bully pulpit. I strongly applaud and thank the President and this Administration for getting behind this message.”
