Issue No. 54: Defending Our Great Outdoors 💪
Hey, Outsiders! Here you go Issue No. 54 - In this issue, we delve into two critical issues shaping the future of our outdoor spaces. First up, we explore the looming threat of a government shutdown and its potential impact on our beloved national parks. With gates locked and visitor centers shuttered the prospect of a shutdown sends ripples through the outdoor community.🏜️🚫 Next, we shift our focus to a formidable coalition that's emerged to champion the cause of conservation and outdoor access. "Protect America's Outdoors" is the rallying cry for this newly formed alliance, bringing together outdoor businesses, enthusiasts, and conservation champions. 🌊🤝
Join us as we navigate the delicate balance between protecting our natural wonders and ensuring outdoor adventures remain accessible to all. From the potential threats to our national parks to the promising emergence of a coalition dedicated to safeguarding our outdoor heritage.
Let’s go! 👣
— Scott Crowder
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🏞️ Government Shutdown Threatens National Parks🙅🏽♂️
A looming government shutdown has outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers on edge as national parks hang in the balance. 🌲🏕️
🚫 Impact on Park Access: If the federal government grinds to a halt, it could mean locked gates and shuttered visitor centers at national parks across the country. This not only disrupts vacation plans but also takes a toll on local economies heavily reliant on park-related tourism.
🌍 Economic Ripples: The potential shutdown arrives at a precarious time, with national parks seeing a surge in visitors during the pandemic. The financial blow from another closure would not only affect park staff but also the surrounding communities that benefit from the influx of visitors.
🌿 Environmental Concerns: Beyond economic repercussions, a shutdown could lead to environmental damage. With fewer staff available, critical park conservation and wildlife protection efforts may be hampered, affecting the very ecosystems that these parks are meant to preserve.
🤝 Calls for Solutions: As the threat looms, there are calls for lawmakers to find common ground and pass a budget to avert a shutdown. The importance of protecting these natural wonders and the livelihoods of those who depend on them is a unifying cause, transcending political lines.
🌞 Utah and Arizona Step Up: A ray of hope shines through the looming government shutdown as Utah and Arizona take matters into their own hands. These two states have pledged to foot the bill to keep national parks within their borders open and accessible to visitors even in the event of a federal shutdown. 🙌🏜️
The fate of national parks now rests in the hands of policymakers, who must weigh the broader impacts of their decisions on both local economies and the environment. As discussions unfold, many are holding their breath, hoping for a resolution that keeps the great outdoors accessible to all. 🗺️🏞️
🌲 Protect America's Outdoors Coalition Emerges 🏞️
A formidable coalition has stepped into the great outdoors, aiming to protect and preserve our nation's cherished landscapes. "Protect America's Outdoors" is the rallying cry for this newly formed alliance, and it's already making waves in the world of conservation. 🌍
🤝 Powerful Backing: This isn't just any group of nature lovers; it's a powerhouse alliance. Comprising the Outdoor Industry Association, Outdoor Alliance, and The Conservation Alliance, these organizations bring together outdoor businesses, outdoor enthusiasts, and conservation champions, uniting around a shared agenda for our federal lands.
🌟 A Shared Vision: The coalition's core mission is to advocate for the protection of public lands and waters, emphasizing the importance of sustainable outdoor recreation. They're setting their sights on enhancing outdoor access, addressing climate change, and supporting the economic benefits of outdoor experiences.
🌎 Why It Matters: Protecting America's natural treasures is crucial for both environmental and economic reasons. These lands are the backdrop for countless adventures, providing a playground for outdoor enthusiasts while also fueling a significant portion of the nation's economy.
💼 Policy Influence: By aligning around a shared agenda, the coalition aims to have a more substantial impact on policymakers. With climate change and conservation at the forefront of the national agenda, this unified front couldn't have come at a better time.
🌊 Looking Ahead: As the Protect America's Outdoors coalition gains momentum, it's poised to be a force for change in how we approach land conservation and outdoor recreation. Expect to see more discussions, policies, and initiatives aimed at preserving the beauty of America's outdoors for generations to come.
Protecting America's Outdoors isn't just about safeguarding our natural wonders; it's about preserving a way of life and ensuring that the great outdoors remain accessible and vibrant for everyone. 🌅🌿
Business, Industry, & Economy:
🔒 American Outdoor Brands' Patent Settlement: American Outdoor Brands announces a patent settlement agreement with The Allen Company, Inc., demonstrating the importance of intellectual property in the outdoor industry. Such agreements are common in this competitive sector, highlighting the significance of protecting innovations and technologies.
👔 Sportsman's Warehouse Appoints New CEO: Sportsman's Warehouse appoints Paul Stone, a former Cabela's executive, as its CEO, showcasing the dynamic leadership changes within outdoor retail. The choice of an industry veteran reflects the company's commitment to navigating the evolving retail landscape.
🎥 America Outdoors Conference Film Festival: Organizers of the 2023 America Outdoors Conference introduce a film festival opportunity, emphasizing the role of storytelling in promoting outdoor experiences. This addition to the conference offers a platform for sharing the beauty and adventure of the outdoors through visual media.
🏢 Arc'teryx Boston Retail Store Reopens: Arc'teryx reopens its Boston retail store with a refreshed look, underlining the importance of physical retail spaces in brand engagement. The redesigned store aligns with evolving consumer preferences and provides an immersive experience for outdoor enthusiasts.
👏 GoPro Among Best Companies to Work For: GoPro shares its achievement of being recognized as one of the best companies to work for in the United States, making US News List. This acknowledgment reflects the company's commitment to fostering a positive work environment, reinforcing the importance of workplace culture within the outdoor industry.
🏂 Silverton Mountain Ski Area Sold: The Colorado Sun reports on the sale of Silverton Mountain Ski Area to Heli Adventures Inc., highlighting the dynamic nature of the outdoor recreation business. This development underscores the evolving landscape of ski resorts and the broader outdoor sector as they navigate ownership changes and adapt to market trends.
🌍 VF Corporation Recognized for Impact: VF Corporation announces its inclusion in Fortune's 2023 "Change the World" list, recognizing companies that make a positive impact on society. This recognition emphasizes the role of outdoor industry leaders in driving positive change, aligning business strategies with social and environmental responsibility.
🏞️ KOAs Commitment to Social Responsibility: RV Business highlights KOA's renewed commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR). As a leader in the outdoor hospitality industry, KOA is reinforcing its dedication to sustainability, community engagement, and environmental stewardship, underscoring the growing importance of CSR initiatives in the outdoor sector.
⛷️New Ikon Pass Destinations for Winter: Business Wire announces the expansion of the Ikon Pass with the addition of two new winter destinations for the 2023-2024 season, Camelback Resort and Blue Mountain Resort in Pennsylvania. This development showcases the ongoing efforts of the outdoor industry to enhance the accessibility and diversity of recreational opportunities, offering enthusiasts even more options for adventure.
🏔️ Vail Resorts' Q4 Loss: MarketWatch reports on Vail Resorts' widening loss in the fourth quarter due to a decline in mountain travel by tourists. The financial challenges faced by major resort operators highlight the ongoing impacts of external factors on the outdoor recreation industry, demonstrating the need for adaptability and resilience in the face of changing circumstances.
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Sustainability, Conservation, & Environment:
🛢️Biden's Climate Dilemma in New Mexico: NPR explores the complex challenge faced by the Biden administration in balancing outdoor recreation and fossil fuel extraction on federal lands in New Mexico. As the administration seeks to prioritize conservation and outdoor activities, it grapples with the implications for the state's oil and gas industry, highlighting the intricate decisions required to address environmental concerns while supporting local economies.
🌳 Bill Gates on Tree Planting and Climate Change: Fast Company features Bill Gates' perspective on the role of tree planting in combating climate change. While Gates acknowledges that planting trees alone won't solve the climate crisis, he emphasizes the importance of afforestation and reforestation as part of a broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions and enhance environmental resilience. The article underscores the value of tree planting efforts in mitigating climate impacts.
🏞️ Protecting Floodplains with Research: The University of Texas at Arlington shares insights into research conducted by Dr. Rajib Saha, aimed at improving floodplain management and resilience. This research contributes to our understanding of flood risks and the importance of sustainable floodplain practices.
🗺️ AllTrails x OpenStreetMapUS: OpenStreetMap celebrates its partnership with AllTrails, AllTrails, as a new Supporter Member, is committed to promoting responsible outdoor recreation and land stewardship. Through its Public Land Program, AllTrails offers tools that empower land management organizations to manage and enhance the visitor experience while preserving natural areas. This partnership reflects their dedication to advancing responsible recreation and improving trail data quality, contributing to a more sustainable and enjoyable outdoor experience for all.
🌳 Forest Conservation Insights: The USDA Forest Service shares valuable research in a recent publication, shedding light on strategies for forest conservation in the face of environmental challenges. This research provides crucial insights into protecting and preserving our forests, which are vital for biodiversity and combating climate change.
🦉 Wildlife vs. PFAS: Fast Company reports that PFAS, the notorious "forever chemicals," have infiltrated the natural world, contaminating wildlife across the globe. These pollutants, found in everything from whales to insects, underscore the urgency of addressing PFAS pollution and its ecological impact.
📚 Exploring "The End of Eden": The New York Times reviews "The End of Eden" by Adam Welz, a thought-provoking book that explores the complex relationship between humans and nature. The review offers a glimpse into the book's themes and narratives, emphasizing the importance of understanding our impact on the environment.
🏞️ Celebrating National Public Lands Day: CSR Wire highlights the National Parks Conservation Association's celebration of National Public Lands Day, an event that encourages people to appreciate and protect our public lands. This day of celebration and action promotes awareness of the value of these lands and the need for their conservation.
Health, Wellness, & Fitness:
🚴♀️ Lululemon and Peloton Unite: The Wall Street Journal reports on the partnership between Lululemon and Peloton, two prominent players in the fitness and athleisure industries. The collaboration has Lulu helping Peloton with apparel and Peloton helping Lulu with programming. This move has the long-reported love-hate relationship looking more like a love-love relationship.
🏋️♂️ Fitness Routines Persist: A study by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) reveals that many Americans have continued the fitness routines they adopted during the pandemic. This trend underscores the enduring importance of health and fitness in people's lives, offering opportunities for fitness brands and businesses to adapt and cater to evolving consumer habits.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion:
🌍 Promoting Accessibility in Tourism: The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is dedicated to enhancing accessibility in tourism, ensuring that travel experiences are inclusive for all individuals, regardless of their abilities. This initiative aligns with global efforts to make tourism destinations more accessible and welcoming, emphasizing the importance of equal access to the joys of travel.
🚵 Breaking Barriers in Mountain Biking: KSUT News shares the aspirations of female free-riders who aim to compete at the highest level in mountain biking at Red Bull Rampage but haven’t been invited. Their determination challenges traditional norms in the sport and highlights the importance of gender inclusivity and equal opportunities in outdoor competitions.
🎿 Affordable Skiing for Kids: The Denver Gazette reports on a fantastic opportunity for young skiing enthusiasts in Colorado. By combining two epic passes, kids can enjoy up to 100 days of skiing at Colorado resorts for just $65, making outdoor winter activities more accessible to families and fostering a love for the mountains from an early age.
Government, Grants, & Policy:
🏞️ State Park Leaders' Conference: America's state park leaders converge in Nevada to discuss data innovation and accessibility during their annual conference, as reported by PR Newswire. The conference serves as a platform for fostering collaboration and innovation in the realm of outdoor recreation and park management, ultimately enhancing the visitor experience.
🌄 Investment in Outdoor Recreation: The U.S. Department of Commerce announces a significant investment of $736,000 in tourism and outdoor recreation. This funding is specifically awarded to the Pennsylvania Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship in Kane, Pennsylvania, to develop and grow the region’s tourism and outdoor recreation sectors. The grant signifies a commitment to fostering economic growth in communities by supporting outdoor recreational activities and attracting visitors to local destinations.
🌍 California's Carbon Emission Reporting: Fast Company reports on California's groundbreaking legislation that will require companies operating in the state to report their carbon emissions. This move towards transparency and accountability aligns with California's commitment to addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
🌿 Historic Funding for Conservation: In a groundbreaking move, the Biden-Harris administration allocates a historic $3 billion to conservation efforts, as outlined in the USDA press release. This substantial funding underscores the government's commitment to preserving and safeguarding America's natural landscapes, ensuring their availability and sustainability for future generations.
Travel, Tourism, & Hospitality:
🌏 Boosting Tourism in Malaysia: The Malaysian Ministry sets its sights on enhancing its tourism industry as it embarks on a comprehensive study to fortify tourism guidelines. Modern Campground reports on this initiative, which aims to position Malaysia as a top travel destination, offering exciting prospects for both locals and visitors alike.
🌄 Getting Lost in the Good Way: Cotopaxi explores the world of immersive travel, highlighting its transformative experiences. The article delves into the idea of "getting lost in the good way" as travelers immerse themselves in new cultures and environments, showcasing the profound impact of travel beyond sightseeing.
Products, Gear, & Gadgets:
🎿 Winter Gear Giveaway: GearJunkie announces a fantastic opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts with a free ski package giveaway featuring gear from renowned brands like Blizzard, Technica, and picture. The giveaway includes top-of-the-line gear for skiing adventures, valued at over $2,000.
🌿 Sustainable Outdoor Brands: CNN Underscored highlights the best sustainable outdoor brands, including industry leaders like Patagonia, The North Face, Columbia, and Arc'teryx. These brands are making eco-friendly gear and apparel, offering a guide for conscious adventurers who want to explore the great outdoors while treading lightly on the planet.
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