I used to fish. I was never a hard-core fisherman, but I enjoyed a day on, or by, the water trying my luck and bringing home my catch to cook.

I haven't so much as wet a line in the past decade. Something changed.  For me, at least, the very idea of fishing has lost much of its appeal.

Pasted below is an article titled, "ESPN changes face of pro bass fishing." It provides a graphic picture of what's changed.

Scott

PS... I also used to downhill ski, climb, mountain bike...

Quoted from the appended NY Times article:

 ["But this new potential generation of paddler that gets introduced to the sport through concrete structures isn't going to have that same exposure to an environmental ethic," Mr. Singleton said. Problems may arise if and when those boaters outgrow the park and head for a real river, he said. He drew a parallel to snowboarders and skiers who learn in terrain parks and then decide they want a real mountain experience. "We see the things that sometimes cross over - graffiti, cigarette butts, an uncaring attitude," he said.]

In a Denver Post article published earlier this summer, ARC's President, Derrick Crandall was quoted as saying:

"With the oldest of their generation approaching their 60s, boomers today are more active than older Americans of past eras. But surveys show many of them are through roughing it, said Derrick Crandall, president of the American Recreation Coalition in Washington, D.C."

Actually, Crandall has been saying that since the mid-80s and has done everything in his power to shift the recreational opportunities available upon our nation's public lands from traditional uses to the kinds of technology-driven, recreation-vehicle friendly, pay-to-play uses favored by, and often delivered by, ARC's member organizations and corporations.

Pasted below are two articles, neither of which mention the ARC but both of which parrot ARC's finely honed PR message. Both hammer home the theme that people are abandoning traditional outdoor activities on public lands. Both explain that backpacking, tent camping and National Park visitation are all in decline. (NOTE: To listen to Gale Norton speak, you'd never know that outdoor recreation was in steep decline or that this decline began with the introduction of recreation user fees in 1997!)

Let me be clear. The PURPOSE of this recreation industry led campaign is to create a buzz and a perception. The PURPOSE of this campaign is to bring about a radical transformation in how we recreate on public lands and, more importantly,  how those lands are managed.

Unfortunately, few seem to understand that this is an organized campaign and that perception is being used to create reality. I'm afraid that few appreciate that when I refer to the "Recreation Agenda" as I have done for many years, I am speaking of a very specific agenda now being carried out and currently transforming the very meaning of outdoor recreation in America's Great Outdoors.

These are important articles. I encourage you to read them with care.

Scott

I'm doing something I do rarely and only when the need is extreme. I'm recycling an article I shared last year. The first time around I introduced it with only these few words:

I will not introduce the following info from the American Recreation Coalition other than to say is it frightfully important that you read it and understand its ramifications. They've provided a vision of a Brave New World for Outdoor Recreation.

What I said back then was, so I realize in hindsight, not an adequate introduction. I had assumed that the importance of this article would be self-evident and I was wrong.

In the ensuing 12 months, I've read so many, often disturbing, articles about what ARC spotlighted in 2004 as "Technology Opportunities in the Outdoors" that I'd like to once again your draw attention to the extraordinary transformation which is now taking place and to the force behind it.

Technological Opportunities currently being pursued on public lands span the range from the benign to the truly offensive. Amongst the 20 ideas listed below you will find everything from the creation of virtual river and trail tours, to the placement of webcams in the wild -- from GPS-triggered interpretation, to talking trees --- from wi-fi-hotspots in parks, to electronic invisible fences for people!  -- from concessionaire rented emergency beacons to recreation passes printed on CD mini-disks.... and more.

One important item you will not find on this list from the ARC is ARC's proposed "Swipe Card." As user fees multiply like maggots on a summer's day, which they are scheduled to do beginning in the Spring of 2006, a much more customer-friendly payment mechanism will be required in order to handle all of these new payments.

For those who've run into those pesky "Automatic Payment Machines" installed on public lands in So. California and Arizona by the "Universal Parking Company," you have an idea what I'm speaking about. But understand that the new Swipe Cards will be much more widespread than the current APMs.  Swipe Cards, if introduced, will be used for everywhere for paying for everything from wilderness permits, to National Park admission -- from river permits, to the use of off-road and snowmobile play areas -- from wildlife viewing areas, to target shooting areas --- from soup to nuts, you might say.

Some of you have read the USFS list of "Special Recreation Permits" for which they intend to begin charging (in direct violation of the RAT, I might add!). I mentioned a handful of them above. A more complete (but far from exhaustive) list can be read here.

As for the Swipe Cards, as of the last I heard, their introduction has not been going nearly as smoothly as the ARC had hoped. We have gained a little extra time and it may not yet be too late to stop their introduction.   Then again, unless many more of us become far more engaged in these issues, having a little extra time will change nothing.

Scott

READ MY ORIGINAL POSTING HERE

Quoted from appended news release from Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation:

 [The RBFF (www.rbff.org ) is a government-funded, nonprofit organization established in 1998 to increase participation in recreational angling and boating...]

"GOVERNMENT-FUNDED"!? --- that's interesting.

You know all those "Take Me Fishing" and "Water Works Wonders" advertisements you've seen in recent years - the ones with the darling child and doting parent or grandparent sitting in a rowboat or holding a fishing pole!?  Pasted below is info about that particular marketing campaign.

Did you know that this week is BOTH the American Recreation Coalition's "Great Outdoors Week" and RBFF's "National Fishing & Boating Week".

Coincidence???

The story behind those friendly ads is an interesting one which becomes more so the deeper one digs. Here are a few links for those wishing to wet their line: 1, 2, 3 .

OH, let's make this fish-story relevant. I suppose you know that the National Park Service, many State Park systems and other land management agencies are engaged in marketing campaigns designed to lure additional visitors.  The declining numbers of tourists, hunters, fisherman and other users of public lands that started 7 or 8 years ago has not gone unnoticed. A growing number of marketing effort are underway hoping to LURE folks back.

Here are two current links on that topic: 1, 2 .

Scott

This morning I stumbled upon a news story, the headline of which read, "Get Outdoors PA program may expand" and my interest was immediately aroused. I hope yours will be as well. The article is available here.

Having read it and as many others as I could find on this topic, I've selected two brief selections to share. One is the news release from 2004 in which the launch of this recreation campaign was announced. The other is the Mission Statement of Venture Outdoors, the "Get Outdoors PA" private-sector partner. I've appended both and while the later is more instructive that the former, the former is needed to appreciate the later.

I share these because they illustrate an important and far-reaching trend in outdoor recreation that should be of interest to you. The example comes from State lands in the EAST, but it will apply equally to federally-managed lands in the WEST, and that is important to remember. Looking at this campaign is like peering deeply and broadly into the future of outdoor recreation.  I hope you find the view educational.

Scott

---- Begin Press Release ---------
Issued: 04/27/2004 03:00 PM GMT

Launches New Recreation Program For Western PA State Parks and Forests; Get Outdoors PA to Offer More Than 160 Programs This Spring and Summer

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis today announced the launch of Get Outdoors PA, a pilot program in Western Pennsylvania designed to connect visitors to guided recreation programs in state parks and forests.

"The concept behind our Get Outdoors PA program is to help people discover state parks and forests in a new way," said DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis. "The expansion of the services offered in Pennsylvania's parks and forests is just one way DCNR is hoping to connect more citizens with the outdoors. This program takes visitation to the next level, by encouraging people to discover new outdoor activities and learn new skills on the public lands, all while having a great time.

"Get Outdoors PA is for people who always wanted to try an outdoor activity but didn't have the equipment or know-how to get started," Secretary DiBerardinis said.

The pilot program, which is being introduced in more than 20 state parks and forests in Western Pennsylvania, will offer visitors a chance to learn an outdoor skill in an organized setting with trained professionals. More than 160 programs are scheduled during the next four months, beginning May 1. Get Outdoors PA is a cooperative program between DCNR and Venture Outdoors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting outdoor recreation and Western Pennsylvania as a great place to live, work and play outdoors. Venture Outdoors guides will lead the programs, with support from DCNR staff. Programs on camping, kayaking, canoeing, fly-fishing, rock climbing and mountain biking will teach visitors technique and provide the equipment to participate in the session. Organized day hikes and nature treks combine discovery of the natural world along with invigorating exercise. Outdoor courses in Leave No Trace(TM), Wilderness survival and geocaching combine fun with learning. Get Outdoors PA also offers programs designed for women on biking, canoeing, hiking and fly-fishing.

"This is a great new partnership that builds on the best of what both organizations do well," said Mike Schiller, executive director of Venture Outdoors. "We look forward to helping a lot more people enjoy the outstanding recreational opportunities in our state parks and forests." The Summer 2004 program runs from May through August at Allegheny Island, Blue Knob, Clear Creek, Cook Forest, Hillman, Keystone, Laurel Hill, Linn Run, MK Goddard, Moraine, McConnell's Mill, Ohiopyle, Oil Creek, Point, Presque Isle, Prince Gallitzin, Pymatuning, Raccoon Creek, Ryerson Station and Yellow Creek state parks; Forbes State Forest; and Jennings Environmental Education Center.

Prices of the sessions vary; some are free. While most programs are for beginners, some are tailored for advanced learning experiences. They range from half-day to two-day outings. Some programs offer discounts for children.

To register for a Get Outdoors PA program call (412) 255-0564. More information is available at http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ or http://www.ventureoutdoors.org/ .

CONTACT: Gretchen A. Leslie of Pennsylvania Department of Conservation
and Natural Resources, +1-717-772-9101
Web site: http://www.state.pa.us/
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/
http://www.ventureoutdoors.org/


                      ===NEXT====

http://www.ventureoutdoors.org/mission.asp

Our Mission Statement

Venture Outdoors, by increasing participation in outdoor recreational activity, seeks to create a sense of community among participants and a better understanding of and a deeper appreciation for the environment and wilderness among the residents of and visitors to Western Pennsylvania.

Philosophy

The Approach
Venture Outdoors believes that more people will get outside when their choices of outings are.

• As accessible as the movie and concert listings
• As well organized as the Great Race
• As welcoming to novices as the Race for the Cure
• As safe and insured as a Gateway Clipper cruise
• As varied as booths at the Three Rivers Arts Festival
• Some comfortable and relaxed like a concert at Hartwood Acres
• Others challenging, with a sense of achievement like the Pittsburgh Marathon
• As appealing as an evening sitcom or a Saturday afternoon TV sporting event
• As socially engaging as a tailgate party
• As dynamic as a popular bar, where people can expect to find their friends
• and make new ones

<continues>

"GET OUTDOORS"
... A brand name that provides you, the customer, with a wide range of Disneyfied, Pay-to-Play, Edu-, Eco- and Wreckre-  -tainment Products, Goods and Services.
 

Quoted from the appended article which appeared in today's press:

 ["I do think we have to understand that recreation on a national forest needs to change," (American Recreation Coalition President, Derrick) Crandall said.]

ARC brought us the Recreation Access Tax.
ARC is going to bring us a lot more.

DO YOU WANT WHAT THEY ARE SELLING...
... or do you have another vision for YOUR public lands?

It is unfortunate that this article made no attempt to tell other than one side of this important story or to cut through the spin liberally applied by those pushing a particular agenda.

Scott

Quoted from appended article, recently published in the Philadelphia Inquirer:

["The lure of the outdoors is not faring well, compared to the lure of electronics," said Derrick Crandall, president of the American Recreation Coalition, a Washington-based organization of recreation companies and trade associations.]

Perhaps the lure of the outdoors is not faring well because the American Recreation Coalition and its own Recreation Roundtable have, for nearly 25 years, actively worked to diminish the enjoyment of those participating in traditional forms of outdoor recreation. Why would a recreation lobby do such a crazy thing as that!!? Because they represent a newer breed of non-traditional recreational interests. Perhaps they would do so because they seek to replace existing public lands users with experience-seeking customers eager to buy new forms of commercially provided, toy-dependant, wreckre-tainment.

When will those who have long enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, birding, canoeing, climbing, horse-riding, bicycling, nature viewing, snow-shoeing, rock-hounding and similar activists attempt to regain control of the message? Today, ARC speaks louder than all other voices combined and it is oft-times the only voice heard.

Why, one might reasonably ask, is the lure of the campfire dimming???? Because its being drowned out by the sound of RV generators. Why is the lure of cross country skiing dimming. Because skiers are being driven away by the roar of snowmobiles. Why are canoeists, swimmer and fishermen staying away from lakes ---- because of jetskis, Duh!

But most important of all --- why is recreational use DOWN again this year on lands managed by the US Forest Service, National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management???? I question the explanation Derrick Crandall offers below. From my experience, I'd say that the new and higher recreation fees (fees now charged thanks to the work of ARC) are driving traditional visitors away. And those who are filling the void bring with them new attitudes, toys and values. They are the attitudes, toys and values promoted by the ARC. So is it any wonder that traditional users are staying away in droves!

Attitudes are not changing as much as they are being manipulated. But the result is the same and unless other voices are heard above the whine of ARC, traditional forms of recreation will be supplanted.

Scott

I will not introduce the following info from the American Recreation Coalition other than to say is it frightfully important that you read it and understand its ramifications. They've provided a vision of a Brave New World for Outdoor Recreation.

Scott

"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious."      -Albert Einstein

"The tourist who buys access to his scenery misses it all together."    -Aldo Leopold

--- begin quoted ---

Examples of Opportunities to Apply Technology to Outdoor Recreation

Scenic Byways Virtual Tours: as you "fly" over a high-resolution aerial photograph on your computer screen, an audio narration describes the corridor and icons of key features - from trails to campgrounds to museums to boat ramps - appear. Clicking on any of the icons brings up detailed information and visual images - and even allows actions such as making a campground reservation. Go to http://demo.byways.org for a demonstration.

Trail and River Virtual Tours: the same concept as above, applied to trails and rivers and other corridors.

Webcams to provide real-time information on weather, foliage conditions, crowding, etc. Webcams are widely used by ski areas and are newly available for key national park sites.

PDA field guides to trees, flowers, wildlife downloaded for specific areas/sites: a 21st century adaptation of favorite printed guides. Santa Monica Mountains NRA and the Discovery Channel are working on a pilot of this concept.

GPS-triggered interpretation on DVDs/CDs

Downloadable up-to-the minute maps showing key features and restrictions (fires, motorized/mechanical activities, permits required, overnight camping, etc.)

Geo-caching: using GPS units to find hidden objects (and using the communications links vital to geo-caching to prevent disturbances of sensitive areas and to promote a cache-in/trash-out ethic). See http://www.geocaching.com/

Wildlife- and bird-watching databases (recording of observations by date/time/ location with GPS units and organized into GIS to provide visitor guidance on likely opportunities)

Software that integrates photos and sound clips with GPS-identified locations to create electronic trip tales

Wireless transmission of interpretive data to vehicles, phones and PDAs

Downloadable multi-lingual interpretive programs for PDAs at public lands portals

Multi-lingual CDs offered at entry points to key federal areas (sponsored by non-profit or for-profit partners) with interpretive information, safety and other information to be played in private vehicles driving through public lands

Audible and visual warnings through GPS units and GPS-enabled PDAs when crossing into zones with key restrictions (temporary or permanent), including fires, motorized/mechanical travel restrictions, etc. (rough analogy to invisible fences for pets)

IR systems along heavily used trails to allow "talking trees" (analogy to museums)

GPS units that can record travel during a visit and then be downloaded into a GIS system that can produce a map-based souvenir depiction of the visit, with information on distance traveled, ascent/descent information and more

Websites that use visuals (and especially video clips) to catalyze visits

Training classes at federal recreation sites on use of GPS, digital cameras, etc., and availability of rentals of needed equipment via permittees/concessioners

Downloadable tours for GPS units and GPS-enabled PDAs, especially for cultural and historic sites, that direct visitors without the cost and impact of signs, allow customization of tours, and can direct visitors away from threatened and overused sites

Integration of passes and mini-CDs into one item, giving the pass added value

Downloadable and unique "souvenirs" at key physical sites - such as photos or electronic postcards - which would be collected by avid outdoors enthusiasts

'We condition the masses to hate the country,' concluded the Director. 'But simultaneously we condition them to love all country sports. At the same time, we see to it that all country sports shall entail the use of elaborate apparatus. So that they consume manufactured articles as well as transport. Hence those electric shocks.'

 'I see,' said the student, and was silent, lost in admiration. -quoted from Aldous Huxley, from Brave New World

"May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view." -Edward Abbey
 

It's not every day that I knock heads with past presidents of foreign nations. But then again, it's not every day that past presidents of foreign nations climb into the sack with America's most powerful promoters of Industrial Tourism. When they do, our two worlds collide.

My take on Gorbachev's misadventures appear toward the end of the following article from the Las Vegas Sun.

Scott

As the appended article details, the Tennessee Valley Authority is currently pushing forward the development of additional privatized, commercialized, motorized recreation.

And, as you would expect, the American Recreation Coalition can be found working it's magic from behind the scenes.

The visible proponent of this project, Marina Operators Association of America, is an ARC member --- but ARC itself, is working in partnership with both the TVA and Army Corps to promote projects such as the one described below. http://www.capitalsun.com/toolbox.html

This is a classic example of public-private partnerships being used inappropriately to advance the industrial recreation agenda. More to the point, it is through the promotion of hundreds (if not thousands) of projects like this, that America's Public Lands are being transformed into something unrecognizable and anathema to those who enjoy public lands as they exist today.

This marina expansion must draw more than fire. It must be shot clean out of the water.

Scott

PS... To learn more, click here.

The O'Neill Wilderness Park is "wilderness" in name only. It bears little resemblance to genuine Wilderness.... though I expect few local users can accurately differentiate between wild Wilderness and Wilderness Parks such as O'Neill. (O'Neill is the nearest park to my family's homestead. I know the area and the people well.)

Notwithstanding that the following article is about fake wilderness,  "geocaching" is being played elsewhere within designated Wilderness. Is anyone aware of an instance where resource managers have prohibited geocaching in wilderness???

Scott

Quoted from appended news release:

  [The Segway motorized scooter] "is designed for use in pedestrian environments..."

The National Park Service is playing right along with the promoters of the Segway Motorized Scooter, giving it credibility, green cover and valuable public exposure. Pedestrians should not be forced to compete with motorized users for use of public spaces that until now have been off limits to motors (and in many case off limits to wheels in general!!)

The NPS is allowing itself to be used by private commercial interests to accomplish private commercial objectives. The NPS should be ashamed of the role they are playing in facilitating the motorization of pedestrian environments.

What, I ask,  is so different about a Segway Motorized Scooter compared to a Harley Davidson motorcycle? If the Harley were powered by a fuel cell would it be compatible for use on sidewalks or on hiking trails?

If a snowmobile is powered by a less noisy, less polluting engine, would it be compatible with cross country skiers on skier trails?

This news release talks of NPS staff using the Segway in the National Parks to increase their visibility, mobility, etc.   Personally I liked it much better when NPS staff were LESS VISIBLE and LESS OBTRUSIVE than they have become in recent years.

And... assuming these tests are successful, how long do you suppose it will be before parks offer commercial Segway Rental Concessions for visitors (customers) willing to pay $80-100 per half-day to ride one of these toys in a National Park setting?

Scott 

Invasion of person privacy will move to a new plane later this month when a limited number of invited guests and media contacts will be treated to live demonstration of all-new "Digital Angel".

The "Digital Angel" is a tiny (about the size of a grain of rice) tracking device that works in conjunction with Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to allow continuous monitoring and remote tracking. It may be incorporated into identification tags/permits, inconspicuously hidden, or even implanted within the human body.

According to the manufacturer, the Digital Angel "can be used for a variety of purposes, such as providing a tamper-proof means of identification for enhanced e-business security, locating lost or missing individuals, tracking the location of valuable property and monitoring the medical conditions of at-risk patients."

One seriously proposed applications for the Digital Angel is to incorporate the device within USFS Hiking Permits. Used in conjunction with an Automatic Payment System, the Digital Angel could provide a precise method for accurately charging Wilderness Customers for the enjoyment they received. Similar versions would presumably be developed for rock climbers, ATVers, equestrians, mountain bikers and other recreational users of public lands if the Hiking Digital Angel proved to be a commercial success.

Fortunately, the Digital Angel has not gone un-noticed and is itself being tracked by a diverse array of interests. A few meritorious web links follow:
http://www.networkusa.org/fingerprint/page5a/fp-digital-angel.html
http://worthynews.com/news-features/digital-angel.html
http://www.adsx.com/ADSX/CDA/News/news_index/0,1136,430,00.html

Scott

There is one motorized recreation threat to our public lands this is going largely unnoticed and almost unopposed. Yet the impacts to the traditional outdoor recreation experience is, in my opinion, on a par with the impacts associated with dirtbikes, jetskis, snowmobiles and the like. While the physical impacts are not as obvious, the affects upon WILDNESS and upon the expectation of what type of recreational experiences can be expected on America's public lands, is every bit as great.

The threat I am talking about is the Recreation Vehicle --- the 40' long, $150,000, Winnebago.

Perhaps you've noticed a great deal of recent media and advertising about the RV Life-style. What you are seeing is part of a $20,000,000 national advertising/marketing campaign by the RV Industry.

The campaign consists of paid advertising and "planted" media stories such as the one excepted below. The campaign is being orchestrated chiefly by David Humphreys, President of Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (Chairman and Founder of the American Recreation Coalition) and by Michael Molino, President and CEO of the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association and ARC Board Member.

What is a stake, is that the American camping experience is being redesigned and, with it, so National Park Gateway Communities as well our our National Forest camping facilities.

Our National Parks are quickly being turned into "anchor attractions" to support the most crass of commercial, industrial-tourism laden gateway communities. What is happening at and outside Yosemite, Grand Canyon and Zion are three striking examples of this new phenomenon.

The Parks themselves are being intensively developed with visitor services, some upscale accommodations, restaurants, interpretive centers, gift shops and the like. Family camping is being moved out of the Parks and on to adjacent commercial campgrounds.

On the National Forests, however, there is an ever growing attempt to build KOA-style, full-service, RV campgrounds right within the forests. The result will be National Parks that are run as theme parks and National Forests that are run as playgrounds.

It's called: "niche marketing and brand differentiation" and unless the environmental community does something to stop this trend, it will be upon us before you know it.

Scott

Wreckreation and Industrial Tourism are exploding issues not just in the United States, but world-wide. We in the USA are not alone in trying to turn the Great Outdoors into a cash cow for nature-based sport and tourism.

Below is a excerpt from a particularly disturbing article that speaks to the growing popularity of eco-tourism in Canada.

If it is true that "In wildness is the preservation of the world," then we must become more vigilant in attempting to rein in the growing threat of Industrial Strength Recreation.

Scott