A new coalition of outdoor recreation trade associations, the Outdoor Recreation Industry Roundtable, introduced staff from the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate to the coalition and briefed them on top policy priorities. The coalition is comprised of 18 organizations representing the hunting, fishing and boating industries; the human-powered outdoor recreation and sports/fitness industries; snow sports industries; recreational and off-highway vehicle industries; and more. During the briefing, coalition members outlined their goals, including: implementing the Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act that was enacted in December 2016, prioritizing recreation-related infrastructure improvements, establishing public/private partnerships to address maintenance backlogs, achieving balance between recreation and conservation decisions, and developing a digital information strategy for outdoor recreation on federal lands.

?As an outcome of cuts in Federal spending, many Federal agencies are reducing or eliminating recreational opportunities,? said Archery Trade Association President Jay McAninch. ?The ORIR member industries believe this is tragic, and are offering private investments on public lands as a way to provide all Americans with the chance to recreate outdoors ? an American birthright. Our industry?s view is this a much-needed stimulus for the Federal lands which are solely lacking in welcoming our citizens outdoors.

?An Eisenhower era infrastructure and public lands management approach will not meet the needs of a 21^st century consumer,? said Frank Hugelmeyer, president of the RV Industry Association. ?That is why we were on Capitol Hill, introducing the Outdoor Recreation Industry Roundtable to the Senate and House of Representatives and sharing our ideas about policy and regulatory reforms necessary to grow the outdoor recreation economy.?