Number: 2009-02
WHEREAS, Americans today are less connected to the outdoors than any time in human history, as evidenced by recent surveys that show children today spend half as much time outdoors as they did just twenty years ago, and as evidenced by decreasing visitation at National Parks and National Forests, as well as declining state revenues from hunting and fishing licenses; and
WHEREAS, our nation must prepare and educate natural resource managers and recreation professionals to safeguard our public lands and natural resources from the impacts that detrimental natural events and adverse human activities will have on our public lands, natural resources, wildlife, and recreation assets; and
WHEREAS, outdoor recreation provides key opportunities to connect communities, children, and families with nature, and these opportunities must be expanded so more Americans have the chance to enjoy the outdoors; and
WHEREAS, the first Presidential Commission established in 1958, the Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Commission (ORRRC), resulted in key new federal supports for conservation and recreation, including the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Wilderness Act, the National Trails System, the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and other new federal, state and local policies; and
WHEREAS, the second Presidential Commission established in 1985, the President’s Commission on Americans Outdoors (PCAO), resulted in significant action at the state and local level including numerous new recreation and open space bond issues, new tax initiatives, new public private partnerships, creation of greenways, and improved outdoor recreation facilities and opportunities; and
WHEREAS, in July 2008, an Outdoor Resources Review Group (ORRG) was established to provide recommendations to the Administration and the Congress in anticipation of the formal creation of a third Presidential Commission; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, at its annual meeting assembled April 30 – May 2, 2009, in Pittsburgh, PA, hereby urges Congress and the Administration to establish and strongly support a Presidential Commission on Americans Outdoors to make recommendations on crucial issues such as connecting children to nature and the impact of humankind on our natural resources; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation strongly encourages government at the federal, state and local levels to support and fund outdoor recreation and educational opportunities that connect children, families, and communities with nature to foster a stronger conservation ethic and improve children’s health, both of which have long-term benefits to the economy.