The Association Partners with Conservation Leaders to Spearhead #ResponsibleRecreation

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.

 

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The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies represents North America’s fish and wildlife agencies to advance sound, science-based management and conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats in the public interest. The Association represents its state agency members on Capitol Hill and before the Administration to advance favorable fish and wildlife conservation policy and funding and works to ensure that all entities work collaboratively on the most important issues. The Association also provides member agencies with coordination services on cross-cutting as well as species-based programs that range from birds, fish habitat and energy development to climate change, wildlife action plans, conservation education, leadership training and international relations. Working together, the Association’s member agencies are ensuring that North American fish and wildlife management has a clear and collective voice.