WASHINGTON – Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) welcomed the announcement of U.S. Department of the Interior Secretarial Order No. 3447 to expand high-quality hunting and fishing opportunities while ensuring responsible stewardship of the nation’s wildlife and natural resources.
“ORR applauds Secretary Burgum for issuing this Secretarial Order designed to increase access to hunting and fishing on America’s public lands and waters, said ORR President Jessica Turner. “Access is foundational to a thriving outdoor recreation economy. Generations of sportsmen and women have enjoyed opportunities to hunt and fish with their friends and families on our public lands and waters, and many rural communities count on these outdoor activities for vibrant and sustainable economies. More access to the outdoors for more people means more money for conservation through excise taxes, better health and well-being, stronger rural economies, and a shared commitment to the future of these special places. We look forward to working with the Department and its bureaus as they carry out this order and encourage them to take on similar efforts for other outdoor recreation activities as we start America250 celebrations.”
ORR has long advocated for increased access to public lands and waters for all Americans, for more efficient, effective and modern management practices to ensure high quality experiences in the outdoors, all while making sure we act as good stewards. The action aligns with new ORR economic analysis that underscores that conserving and maintaining access to America’s public lands and waters for recreation is not only a business imperative but also a consistent, high-return investment in the nation’s health and economic growth.
“As the NWTF knows that the future of our hunting heritage relies heavily on access opportunities for the sporting community, we are thankful for Secretary Burgum’s order,” said NWTF Co-CEO Jason Burckhalter. “We believe the order to remove outdated restrictions and align policies with state partners will open doors for more Americans to enjoy the life-changing power of the outdoors.”
“iSportsman welcomes Secretary Burgum’s new SO to expand Hunting and Fishing Access. The steps outlined in the SO align and streamline access requirements across DoI agencies, States and Tribal governments which will go a long way for iSportsman’s vast military users to spend more quality time outdoors,” said Aneil Kumar, President and CEO of ASciS & iSportsman.