Outdoor Recreation Roundtable’s Post

How to go wild ; outdoor etiquettes 🌳 New outdoors enthusiast?  We’re thrilled that you are willing to give the outdoors a try. Nature is truly amazing, but to ensure that everyone can enjoy it equally, certain etiquettes apply. Don’t worry, they’re easy to follow and guarantee a pleasant experience. Here are five rules to keep in mind during your next adventure in the great outdoors. 1️⃣Do not disturb wildlife: keep your distance from wildlife be aware you're a visitor in their home and they need their space Observing wildlife is best from a distance. While in the wild, it is crucial to practice quiet observation which involves refraining from touching, feeding, or picking up animals. Such measures promote safety for both humans and wildlife and respect the animals' natural habitat.  2️⃣Follow the leave-no-trace principles  The Leave No Trace attitude is centered around seven principles that actively encourage the preservation of the outdoors for future generations. These principles serve as a guide to help us make conscious decisions and minimize our impact on the outdoors. Read about them by clicking this link! https://leavenotrace.ca/  Since these principles are regularly revised and updated, it’s a good idea to check back often to stay in the loop.  3️⃣Be aware of your surroundings: use your phone sparingly, discreetly and always be aware of your surroundings. It can be hard to detach ourselves from our phones, even in nature! However, while in the outdoors, it’s important to be mindful of how our phone usage impacts others. Avoid playing loud music, making disruptive phone calls, or obstructing others while capturing photos. By doing so, we not only respect fellow outdoor enthusiasts, but we also contribute to our safety and the well-being of wildlife and their habitats.  4️⃣Listen to your body: take your time, enjoy the scenery and breathe in fresh air. Remember, when it comes to the outdoors, it is not a competition. Your goal should be to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. If it means taking multiple breaks or spending extra time at the scenic viewpoints, then go for it! The beauty of nature is that it can be appreciated at your own pace.  5️⃣Be friendly and have fun: make yourself known on the trail by offering a simple hello or head nod. As they say, a smile goes a long way. Outdoor enthusiasts are known for their friendly nature, and you too can contribute to the community. On your next adventure, keep the positive energy flowing and spread kindness wherever you go.  So, now that you have the tools, go ahead and enjoy the outdoors!

BC Parks, in collaboration with Líl̓wat Nation and N’Quatqua First Nations, has issued a joint statement outlining the 2024 plans for Joffre Lakes Provincial Park. These plans prioritize maintaining public access while safeguarding the park's natural and cultural heritage. The updated strategy introduces three designated closure periods to accommodate Indigenous celebrations and traditional activities. Scheduled Closure Dates for Joffre Lake Provincial Park: April 30 to May 15: Reserved for Indigenous cultural festivities. June 14 to June 23: Allocated for summer solstice and Indigenous Peoples’ Day observances. September 3 until October 6: Set aside for Indigenous fall harvesting practices and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Given the increasing population in the Lower Mainland, the growing interest in outdoor recreation and access restrictions in existing parks, the Province of British Columbia must prioritize creating additional outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors, including hiking and camping. https://lnkd.in/gessSSHp

Why should the outdoor recreation community care about the Farm Bill? Though much of the Farm Bill is focused on agriculture, there is a critical public lands angle, since the bill directs policy for the Forest Service. The last Farm Bill, which was passed in 2018, included language that recognized the importance of outdoor recreation and the outdoor recreation economy. Here are five things we’d like to see in the Farm Bill: •Wildfire management •Clarity on National Forest recreation closures •Rural outdoor recreation economy development •Expand funding for recreation access on private lands •Establish a Forest Conservation Easement Program These updates would have broad, lasting benefits for outdoor recreation, and our public lands and waters. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gKpYhTNG

Thanks to the efforts of park and recreation professionals through the United States, local park and recreation agencies generated more than $201 billion in economic activity and supported more than 1.1 million jobs in 2021. Beyond the nationwide impact, this report shows the economic contribution of parks and recreation at the state level too. The estimates of total economic impacts include the direct, indirect and induced effects of operations and capital spending by local park and recreation agencies in each state and the District of Columbia. Access the report: https://lnkd.in/eRVczxMN #PowerOfParks #WhereYouBelong #NRPAResearch

National Parks - Are they all good news? England is set to get a new national park, possibly covering the Chilterns, the Cotswolds and Dorset. And there could be extra government funding for existing protected landscapes as well. There are currently 15 national parks in: 10 in England, the South Downs (pictured) being the youngest. Another two sit in Scotland and three in Wales - and both of those countries may also add another to their number. Which sounds like good news. National parks in the UK were set up to protect the beauty of landscapes and provide recreational opportunities for the public. The first, the Peak District, arrived in 1951. The list in England now reads: Peak District, Lake District, Dartmoor, Exmoor, New Forest, Norfolk Broads, South Downs, Northumberland, North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales. In Wales, in addition to (Eryri) Snowdonia, people can enjoy Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) and the Pembrokeshire Coast. In Scotland you have the Cairngorms, and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. Each of these designated protected landscapes is looked after by a National Park authority, which includes members, staff and volunteers. Protecting and conserving the landscape (which can include farmland, towns, villages, nature reserves, rivers, lakes, valleys, woodlands, beaches and mountains) requires money and people. But the Campaign for National Parks says existing parks have experienced significant real-term cuts in funding from the Government since the South Downs was opened in 2010. And there is concern in England that investment in a new national park could mean fresh cuts to services and staff in other protected areas. Some national parks are more popular than others. Increased visitor numbers can be good for local economies yet also add pressure on roads, services and accommodation. And the more walkers on the hills and mountains, in the countryside and on the coast, the greater the environmental impact on the landscape. How do you feel about our National Parks? Will creating new ones be good for both planet and people? #NationalParks #NationalParksService #SouthDowns #TheGreatOutdoors #ramblers #environment #conservation #NationalLandscapes #walking #hiking Photo credit: Mike Bird

MONTANA & OREGON - Several states across the country are currently in the process of developing their Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans (SCORPs) including Montana and Oregon. The SCORP process was established in the 1960s as a tool to guide the development and management of outdoor recreation resources by state to receive funding under the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Act. States update their SCORP every five years. This allows states, tribes, and local governments, to apply for and receive LWCF matching grant funding for the acquisition and development of public parks and other outdoor recreation sites. Over the years, some SCORPs have evolved to include a greater focus on public participation, stewardship, and equitable access to outdoor recreation opportunities. By addressing issues such as access, conservation, equity, and economic impact, SCORPs play a crucial role in promoting sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors alike. See Montana's SCORP process: https://lnkd.in/gd5_nGpY See Oregon's SCORP process: https://lnkd.in/gAuQHkgx

‘England to get new national park as part of nature plan’ - BBC News England will get a new national park as part of a government set of "nature pledges" to give greater access and protection to the countryside. Natural England will consider a list of possible sites, which could include the Chilterns, the Cotswolds and Dorset. Some environmentalists gave the news a cautious welcome, as government funding for national parks has fallen in real terms, forcing service and staff cuts. Parks across the country have had to make cuts to staffing levels and visitor services as their core grant from government has fallen in real terms. The most recent national park to be created in England was the South Downs in 2010. Wales and Scotland are also looking to create a new national park each.

Alberta's visitor economy has always been full of trailblazers, but our government is bringing new meaning to the word with a $1 million investment into enhancing non-motorized trails on public lands. In collaboration with community organizations, the investment ensures sustainable recreation, responsible use, and environmental protection of 4,219 km of provincially designated trails. About the funding: 💡 $2.3 billion spent annually on Crown land recreation by Albertans. 💡 $376 million spent on recreation equipment and accessories. 💡 Applications are open for projects enhancing access, user experiences, and safety on public land trails. Community organizations can apply for grants to support trail projects, with a focus on engagement, planning, administrative activities, and training. Learn more here: https://loom.ly/1McxHvE #VisitorEconomy #AlbertaTourism #TourismDevelopment

If you've been to San Francisco, it's pretty likely you've paid a visit to Alcatraz Island, part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Whether you're visiting to learn about history, go to work as a concessionaire, or get a different view of the city, everyone accesses the island via the wharf. It's the only way onto the island and in the event of an emergency, it's also the only way off. Alcatraz Island is situated in the middle of a cold bay with strong currents and harsh weather conditions off an earthquake-prone city — not ideal conditions for a critical structure like the wharf. A $36 million investment from the #GreatAmericanOutdoorsAct will rehabilitate the wharf for the first time since it was acquired by the Park Service and vastly improve public safety. Hundreds of projects are underway to improve national parks for the staff who care for them and the visitors who enjoy them. One thing is clear: our parks need more help. Join NPCA in urging Congress to keep investing in our national parks and extend GAOA by at least five more years! https://lnkd.in/ej6auypb #GreatAmericanOutdoorsAct #ParkFunding #ProtectOurParks #ParkAdvocate #SanFransisco #Alcatraz #California

Let’s talk about the outdoor recreation economy! Community investment in trails and outdoor recreation can help bolster rural economies by stimulating local economic growth and attracting and retaining skilled workers. In this week’s featured webinar, learn how your community can successfully advocate for local trails and avoid common pitfalls: https://lnkd.in/dsjAeuTw