Huffman supports our recreation economy

We were excited to learn the full U.S. House has once again approved the Northwestern California Wilderness, Recreation and Working Forests Act. It passed earlier this month as part of a larger package, the “Protecting America’s Wilderness and Public Lands Act PAW Act, that includes other public lands in California, and in Colorado and Washington state. As Americans found new ways to cope with the constraints brought by the COVID virus, they rediscovered their public lands, especially here in the northwestern part of California.

Over eight years ago, Congressman Jared Huffman began meeting with a wide variety of local stakeholders to learn what they thought should be included in legislation to boost our public lands protections and the important recreation economy.

Their recommendations became the basis for this legislation. The measure does not take away any private lands but is focused on our existing beautiful public lands in Humboldt, Del Norte, Trinity and Mendocino counties.

The bill would permanently protect existing roadless areas for recreation and ecological benefits, designate 379 miles of wild and scenic rivers, and increase visitor centers to orient our guests. It would authorize a new “Bigfoot National Recreational Trail” that takes some pressure off the Pacific Crest Trail by allowing more short and multi-day through-hikes, and create a path for vigorous, coordinated recreation planning on our public lands. All these elements of the bill and more, promote and protect our amazing resources.

Our businesses and our employees are a part of this important local recreation economy. Adventure’s Edge stores in Arcata and Eureka provide local residents and visitors with the gear they need to get out and explore our beautiful region. Kokatat manufactures drysuits and other paddle sports equipment for recreation on the water from kayaking to fishing locally and worldwide. But we are just two of many businesses that benefit from Northwest California’s world class outdoor destinations. Families and friends utilize our airports, our fishing guides, and cafes and grocery stores when getting ready for that great outdoor experience. Those experiences build bonds among friends, families and nature.

We look forward to the PAW Act consideration next in the U.S. Senate and hope for its passage.

Jennifer Johnson owns Adventure’s Edge. Steve O’Meara is founder and president of Kokatat Inc.