On October 18, CSF and a contingent of hunting and fishing conservation groups urged both major party presidential transition teams to consider infrastructure investments that would significantly strengthen the outdoor economy and increase access to public lands. In letters to Clinton Transition Team Chairman Secretary Ken Salazar and Trump Transition Team Chairman Governor Chris Christie, the groups highlighted the importance of the outdoor economy and noted their support for infrastructure investments with the potential to leave a lasting legacy of restored fish and wildlife, accessible public lands, and outdoor recreation opportunities for all Americans.
The letters also encouraged both candidates to consider incorporating recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Panel on Sustaining America’s Diverse Fish and Wildlife Resources into any infrastructure packages that may emerge as a new administration priority. Chaired by Bass Pro Shops founder John L. Morris and former Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal, the Blue Ribbon Panel’s recommendations represent more than a year’s work by leaders from the outdoor recreation retail and manufacturing sector, the energy industry, conservation organizations and sportsmen’s groups, including CSF’s President Jeff Crane, to find the most sustainable and equitable model to fund conservation of the full array of fish and wildlife species.
The groups also expressed support for mandatory funding for a modernized Land and Water Conservation Fund, expanding recreational access for sportsmen and women, and infrastructure investments to address public land maintenance backlogs, reduce wildfire risks by focusing on healthy forest restoration, revitalize urban parks, invest in tribal lands, and improve water quality. In doing so, they also noted that many natural resource infrastructure projects produce a high return on investment.
To read the Clinton Transition Team letter, click here.
To read the Trump Transition Team letter, click here.
Studies conducted at both the state and federal level have found that the number of hunters and trappers have been on a generally declining trend over the past several decades. To increase recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and trappers, which initiative do you think would have the greatest impact?
