Legislation Introduced to Increase Recreational Fishing and Hunting

For Immediate Release

Important Legislation Introduced to Increase Recreational Fishing and Hunting Access on Public Lands Legislation directs federal agencies to include fishing and hunting in their multi-use land management plans

Alexandria,
VA
? September 6, 2011 ? The sportfishing industry lauds the
Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act, introduced by
Representatives Dan Benishek (R-MI) and Dan Boren (D-OK), that will ensure that
recreational fishing, hunting and shooting sports are supported as public
activities on federal lands. The two members of the Congressional Sportsmen?s
Caucus introduced the Act on Friday, September 2, 2011. This bipartisan
legislation directs federal land management agencies, such as the U.S. Forest
Service (USFS) and U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to apply the multi-use
mandates in their management plans to support public access to our nation?s
public lands.

?While many of these agencies are most commonly known for their timber
resources and energy development, federal lands also offer tremendous
recreational fishing opportunities,? said American Sportfishing Association
(ASA) Vice President Gordon Robertson. ?Unfortunately access for traditional
recreational activities on these lands is limited, as is public awareness of
the problem. With lack of access being one of the most common reasons keeping
anglers from enjoying a day on the water, this new legislation opens an
opportunity to increase sportfishing participation, not just on public lands,
but nation-wide.?

A recent Congressional report concluded that more than 35 million acres of land
owned by the USFS and BLM have inadequate access for sportsmen and women. With
respect to the agencies? land management plans, this legislation directs
managers to facilitate recreational fishing and hunting on public lands and
waters. Additionally, the bill directs managers to evaluate how traditional
outdoor activities will be impacted by the implementation of new regulations,
management plans or land use initiatives.

?Recreation is the single largest economic output of national forests and
grasslands, with 46.5 million anglers spending over $1.2 billion annually to
enjoy recreational fishing on USFS lands,? commented Robertson. ?It is
astounding that with such high demand, access is still a barrier for millions
of anglers. The Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act
directs the USFS and BLM managers to not only promote recreational fishing and
hunting access, but to further take advantage of one of the biggest economic
drivers for the agencies and the rural communities near their lands.?

While the bill does not directly open federal land to recreational fishing and
hunting, by directing managers to operate federal lands as ?open-until-closed,?
overall access will increase significantly. Robertson concluded, ?This
legislation will encourage recreational fishing, hunting and the shooting
sports on public lands and waters and increase participation in some of our
nation?s most cherished pastimes.?

Source: http://www.fisheries.org/blog/legislation-introduced-to-increase-recreational-fishing-and-hunting-access-on-public-lands/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=legislation-introduced-to-increase-recreational-fishing-and-hunting-access-on-public-lands

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