The Association Partners with Conservation Leaders to Spearhead #ResponsibleRecreation
Washington D.C. (May 11, 2020)- The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies is partnering with conservation leaders, including the National Wild Turkey Federation, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, and Pheasants Forever to spearhead #ResponsibleRecreation, a media campaign encouraging Americans to enjoy outdoor recreation while adhering to proper COVID-19 safety protocol.
“The outdoors and its health benefits, including stress reduction, lower blood pressure, better sleep, and relief from anxiety, stress, and depression, are likely more important than ever. But it’s important to practice responsible recreation,” said Secretary Kelly Hepler of South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks and President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “This campaign is a great reminder of how we can all help to keep our public lands open for the public to enjoy responsibly during this stressful time.”
Whether participating in hunting, fishing, shooting sports or numerous other outdoor activities, the conservation community sees the #ResponsibleRecreation campaign as a safe and constructive way to encourage individuals and families to get outside and enjoy the outdoors as a means to cope with the current COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to advocating safe outdoor etiquette, the campaign also encourages Americans to take advantage of the numerous opportunities this country offers to recreate on public lands, waters and parks.
Guidelines the campaign seeks to establish while practicing #ResponsibleRecreation are in line with the Center for Disease Prevention and Control and include maintaining proper social distancing and adhering to best practices to avoid COVID-19.
“The Responsible Recreation campaign seeks to engage all who are enjoying the outdoors safely and responsibly, “said Ron Regan, Executive Director for the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. “We encourage everyone to recreate locally, be safe, be prepared, and be respectful.”
The #ResponsibleRecreation campaign is encouraging all outdoor enthusiasts to share their pursuits by using the hashtag #ResponsibleRecreation on the social media channel of their choice. Additionally, we encourage people to Take the Pledge for #ResponsibleRecreation by going to the website https://www.responsible-recreation.org.
The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies—the organization that represents North America’s fish and wildlife agencies—promotes sound resource management and conservation, and speaks on important fish and wildlife issues. Found on the web at www.fishwildlife.org, on Facebook /AssociationofFishandWildlifeAgencies and on Twitter @fishwildlife.
