The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), with other conservation partners such as National Wild Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Trout Unlimited, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, are leading a media campaign called #ResponsibleRecreation as an effort to encourage Americans to responsibly enjoy outdoor recreation while adhering to COVID-19 safety practices.
The conservation community is promoting the #ResponsibleRecreation campaign as a valuable way to encourage people to get outside and enjoy the outdoors as a means to cope with the current COVID-19 pandemic. Hunting, fishing, recreational shooting and other outdoor opportunities are rational ways to engage in activities in the outdoors that support mental and physical well-being while also supporting safe social distancing.
The campaign also encourages Americans to take advantage of the numerous opportunities our nation offers to recreate on public lands and waters. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, CSF and other partners have been working with governors and other state leaders to keep these viable opportunities open.
“As leading conservation organizations, it is imperative that we come together and create an initiative that bolsters activities that can support both conservation and public health and safety,” said CSF President Jeff Crane. “All of these organizations represent different recreational opportunities that positively affect conservation, and this is a powerful way to reach the wide array of stakeholders that we represent in a pragmatic fashion.”
#ResponsibleRecreation seeks to engage all stakeholders through encouraging them to enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly. Providing opportunities for these activities also yields a way for stakeholders to contribute to conservation during this time of economic uncertainty, while also supporting small businesses that support these activities.
The guidelines outlined in this campaign for practicing #ResponsibleRecreation are aligned with the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control social distancing guidelines set forth to avoid the coronavirus.
The #ResponsibleRecreation campaign is encouraging all outdoor enthusiasts to share their pursuits by using the hashtag #ResponsibleRecreation in their social media posts.
For more information about the campaign, please visit www.responsible-recreation.org.
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?
