Groups pushing for responsible recreation
As coronavirus-related restrictions are eased in most of the nation, several conservation organizations have joined to launch a media campaign encouraging Americans to enjoy outdoor recreation while adhering to wise COVID-19 prevention measures.
Called #ResponsibleRecreation, the initiative recognizes the timeless values of the outdoors as well as the need for a new type of “wise use.”
“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,” said Kelly Hepler, president of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, in a statement. “But it's important to practice responsible recreation.”
The AFWA is joined in the effort by the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Pheasants Forever and Trout Unlimited.
As of Thursday, the novel coronavirus had killed 93,061 Americans and infected 1.55 million, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Tuesday
Sixth and final period of spring turkey hunt ends.
June 6-7
Wisconsin free fishing weekend. June 20
Smallmouth bass harvest opens in northern zone.
In Wisconsin, the disease had caused 481 deaths and infected 13,431.
But death rates have been falling in recent days in many areas, prompting officials to relax or rescind closures and restrictions, including at public properties and access points.
It's important to get the word out to anglers and hunters to be smart about outdoor recreation this year, according to campaign material.
The groups urged anglers, hunters, hikers, paddlers and others to get outside and enjoy the outdoors as a means to cope with the current COVID-19 pandemic and to “continue to enjoy our passions while being good citizens and helping keep our communities safe.”
The organizations stress the need to adhere to common-sense social distancing guidelines and local, state, and federal COVID-19 safety protocols while participating in outdoor recreation. Among the recommendations: Stay local and recreate near home. Keep your distance — a fishing rod's length from each other is a good rule of thumb.
Wear face coverings when appropriate.
Plan ahead; purchase licenses and park passes online, if available.
Follow state and federal guidelines. Anglers find solace and inspiration on the water, said Chris Wood, president and CEO of Trout Unlimited.
“In times like these, we need the restorative power of nature,” Wood said. “But when we do go out to fish this spring, we need to recognize that we all have a duty to practice responsible behavior during this pandemic. The safety of our families and communities depends on it.”
Campaign officials encourage outdoor enthusiasts to visit www.responsible-recreation.org and sign the #ResponsibleRecreation pledge , then share their pursuits by using the hashtag #ResponsibleRecreation on the social media channel of their choice.
The pledge reads: “I support efforts to get people outdoors during these difficult times. I pledge to staying safe outdoors during the pandemic as I enjoy the plentiful recreational opportunities this great nation has to offer.”
Safe boating: The Memorial Day weekend is the traditional start of the boating season in Wisconsin and much of the nation.
The BoatUS Foundation for Safe Boating and Clean Water last week released a reminder that wearing a life jacket is the single most important action boaters can take to increase their safety.
According to U.S. Coast Guard statistics, approximately 84% of boaters who drown in U.S. waters were not wearing a flotation device.
“The best life jacket is the one you will wear,” said BoatUS president Chris Edmonston. “Inflatable life jackets are light, comfortable, keep you cool on a hot day, and are easily worn because you forget you are wearing one.”
Boaters should also know regulations, including the requirement to have a properly-sized U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for every person aboard.
BoatUS and volunteer organizations help provide free use of children-sized life jackets at more than 575 BoatUS Life Jacket Loaner Program sites.
For more information, safeboatingcampaign.com.
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