Idaho Leaders: Maintain Responsible Outdoor Recreation Access

We are certainly living in unprecedented times. It is important we all remain committed to effective responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in accordance to the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While the tough decisions our leaders must make to protect people must weigh heavy, we firmly believe such decisions should be thoroughly vetted to keep Idahoans connected to the outdoors.

Spring is coming on strong in Idaho. Bear and turkey seasons are opening and anglers are chomping at the bit to cast some lines. In general, folks are restless after a long Idaho winter and want to stretch their legs to do the things most of us live here for: get outdoors.

That is why the Idaho Wildlife Federation along with the National Wildlife Federation and other hunting, fishing, recreational shooting, and outdoor recreation organizations are offering our help and ideas for maintaining safe and appropriate access to nature during the COVID-19 pandemic.

At parks, wildlife management areas, lakes, and other places, we ask for consideration in keeping managed-use facilities, boat launches, hunting and fishing areas, and viewing areas open to the general public. Barring localized situations that may justify closures, we urge a general policy of maintaining open access which will help families through this challenging time. Nature is an ideal place to keep safe distances among people while simultaneously allowing citizens educational and recreational experiences that provide health, and hope.

Now, more than ever, Americans need to have the ability to access these lands for a variety of reasons, including hunting and fishing to provide food for their families. We need to consider maintaining the openness of opportunities for in-season species as well as fishing and recreational shooting opportunities that are timely right now. Wildlife management areas and other public lands open will provide an opportunity for solitary and safe pursuits.

Fishing also keeps people at a safe distance apart and can help sustain the economy if tackle shops remain open as essential businesses. Several states have temporarily waived fishing license requirements (but not limits), or withheld trout stocking announcements (which attract crowds), or opened seasons early (to reduce risk of crowding). Recreational shooters are practicing social distancing at ranges that remain open and also play a strong economic role by generating the federal excise tax revenue that drives the American System of Conservation Funding (ASCF).

Of course, maintaining reasonable access is a two-way street. Outdoor recreationists need to comply with safe social distancing practices so decision makers are not compelled to enact further restrictions. We do not want to go the way of Washington State where the state stepped in to protect vulnerable tourism based communities, ruining outdoor pursuits for a great many people who were behaving responsibly.

In recent weeks, we have communicated with our members, as well as federal and state policy makers, to encourage safe social distancing practices while enjoying the outdoors. As such, a social media campaign known as #ResponsibleRecreation is underway to encourage the public to act responsibly as they enjoy the outdoors. Similarly, we can support efforts of agencies and decision makers through the websites and social media channels of Idaho based groups by distributing information on available points of access and guidance on safety.

In the times of COVID-19, we need to be careful, adhere to the desires and input from tourist based communities, and recognize we can behave responsibly while still enjoying the best part about living in Idaho: the outdoors..