America’s Outdoor Industry Tells Congress, “We Support the NLCS"

Outdoor Industry Association, the national trade group representing over 4000 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, sales representatives and retailers in the outdoor industry, and American Hiking Society, the only national organization that protects foot trails and the hiking experience, delivered a letter to Congress today from 60 announcing unified support of the Bureau of Land Management’s National Landscape Conservation System.

The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on a bill this week that will grant permanent congressional recognition to the National Landscape Conservation System. This vote is an important step toward assuring that the BLM’s Conservation System will have the same permanent Congressional recognition as other national treasures, like the National Park System.

Created in 2000, the Conservation System encompasses 26 million acres of extraordinary lands and waters, including more than 5,000 miles of National Scenic and Historic Trails and thousands of miles of other spectacular trails. Examples include the Pacific Crest Trail, which travels 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada, and the Continental Divide Trail, which travels 3,100 miles from Canada to Mexico. American Hiking’s Western Public Lands Initiative raises awareness of and seeks permanent protection for these vast, unique areas.

“These companies are sending a strong message to Congress and the American people,” said Gregory Miller, American Hiking Society president. “The BLM’s Conservation System is home to thousands of miles of the best hiking in America, and together we are committed to protecting the incredible recreational, natural and cultural resources – both for their intrinsic value and for the significant benefits the Active Outdoor Economy provides.”

Active outdoor recreation contributes more than $730 billion annually to the U.S. economy, including direct support for more than 6.5 million jobs. The vast majority of this powerful economic activity takes place on public lands.

“Outdoor recreation enthusiasts who enjoy these beautiful places fuel a vibrant economy driven by the outdoor industry – the companies that make equipment necessary for enjoyable experiences outside,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president of OIA. “By supporting the National Landscape Conservation System, we are working together to ensure that future generations will have a myriad of opportunities for outdoor enjoyment.”

To view the Outdoor Industry Letter to Congress, visit www.AmericanHiking.org.

About Outdoor Industry Association
Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) is a national trade association whose mission is to ensure the growth and success of the outdoor industry. OIA provides trade services for over 4000 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, sales representatives and retailers in the outdoor industry. OIA programs include representation in government/legislative affairs, market and social research, business-to-business services and youth outreach initiatives. Educational events include the annual Rendezvous, Outdoor University, and the Capitol Summit. Outdoor Industry Association is based in Boulder, Colorado, and is the title sponsor of the Outdoor Retailer tradeshows. For more information go to www.outdoorindustry.org or call 303.444.3353.

About American Hiking Society
Founded in 1976, American Hiking Society is the only national, recreation-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s hiking trails, their surrounding natural areas, and the hiking experience itself. To learn more about American Hiking Society and its programs, including the Western Public Lands Initiative please visit www.AmericanHiking.org or call 301.565.6704.