The Army Corps has long been thought of as "the low hanging fruit" by the motorized recreation industry.

So when the American Recreation Coalition, American Trials, George Bush and the Army Corps of Engineers team up to bring the public an exciting new program, you just know the environment is about to get picked clean.

Scott 

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Chief's Corner
Archive of Chief's Corner
Healthier US - 22 July 2002

On 12 June 2002, President Bush announced a new Healthier US initiative. The initiative promotes improved health through physical activity and the stress reducing experiences that are benefits of participation in outdoor recreation activities. For more information see the following website: http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/fitness/execsummary.html

As background, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recently announced that poor physical fitness is an identified national health problem. The CDC sees the direct link between a lack of physical fitness, obesity and type 2 diabetes as a threat to public health.

I was pleased to be a part of the effort that resulted in the Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) signing the CDC Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) along with the Secretaries of Agriculture, Interior and Health and Human Services, as a part of the unveiling of the President's initiative. The full text of the MOU is posted on the Gateway. A good summary of the MOU is on the following website: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/partnership.htm

A number of other organizations are considering the possibility of a national effort that would include the land management agencies as integral parts of the solution to this national health issue. Some of the potential players include:

American Recreation Coalition - represents a wide array of recreation users and industry has good ties to the Administration

American Trails - formal agreements with health organizations like American Diabetes Association.

National Recreation and Parks Association - formal agreement with Department of Health and Human Services. "Hearts in the Parks" program underway. For more information on this program see the following website: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/prof/heart/obesity/hrt_n_pk/index.htm

The Healthier US initiative fits well with the Corps recreation program's goals of adding value to both individuals and communities. As the link between physical activity and good physical and mental health becomes more evident, the role for recreation opportunities at Corps lakes takes on greater importance. Recreation activities at Corps projects are more than just "fun"; they are part of the solution to a national health issue. Since almost ten per cent of this nation's citizenry visits Corps lakes annually, the Corps role is significant.

I think Corps participation in the President's Healthier US initiative will generate local, regional and national recognition of the significant contributions of recreation activities at Corps projects. We all should be looking for ways to raise public awareness of the role and benefits of physical activity and of the many recreation opportunities at Corps lakes.

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