The OIA voiced its support for the Americans Outdoors Act that will be introduced to lawmakers this week. The act is designed to get more Americans outdoors and promote a healthy lifestyle by providing more opportunities to recreate. The Americans Outdoors Act funds programs that are critical to the Outdoor Industry such as the Stateside Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Program.
“Research has shown that accessibility to trails and recreation opportunities are directly related to increased physical activity and thus healthier Americans,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president of Outdoor Industry Association. “We stand united to endorse the power and promise of this major legislative vehicle to reduce obesity and promote health and wellness through increased access to quality parks and recreation.”
The act calls for funding in excess of $1.4 billion which will be used for UPARR and LWCF projects. The LWCF funds the protection of land and open space, and the development of state and local hiking and biking trails, campgrounds and hunting and angling areas. UPARR is a program which matches local dollars for projects that enhance recreation programs in urban communities.
In related news, over 100 small businesses, government officials and individuals joined the OIA in support of keeping the Roadless Area Conservation Rule as it was originally written. In a letter to President Bush, these individuals and organizations voiced their concerns over the continued disappearance of Virginias natural resources.
According to a local paper, Virginia has more than 387,000 roadless acres, the most of any state east of the Mississippi. These areas are located primarily in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests in western Virginia are the source of drinking water in many Virginia communities.
“The letter to President Bush, endorsed by owners of outdoor recreation stores, art galleries, restaurants, office suppliers, and many others, sends a clear message that Virginia's business sector feels strongly that the economic vitality in the state is linked to the preservation of our heritage forests,” Jen Creasy of Wild Virginia told a local paper.
States across the country have been voicing their concern over this roadless rule ever since the Tongass National Forest in Alaska was opened to logging late last year.
“It's clear that momentum is building in Virginia to protect these wild places. Our new state slogan could be 'Virginia is for roadless lovers.'” Creasy said.
