On February 17, National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) Executive Council President State Senator Robin Webb (KY) joined Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus member and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and Senator Rand Paul, as well as Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner James Comer, to announce an ecotourism initiative in eastern Kentucky. The initiative entitled “Appalachia Proud: Mountains of Potential” is a program meant to promote economic development and educational achievement in 37 eastern Kentucky counties.
Sen. Webb was proud to introduce the partnership of the Appalachian Wildlife Foundation with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to build an elk and nature tourist destination by reclaiming 100 acres of coal mine land.
The Appalachian Wildlife Foundation seeks opportunities to find solutions for restoring wildlife and habitat. Their vision for conservation action includes restoration of species and habitats on public and private lands, habitat protection and improvement, increased opportunities for hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation, economic development, and conservation education.
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?
