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A few days ago the American Recreation Coalition posted an invitation on their website which was addressed to "ARC's Members and Our Partners". According to the announcement, the ARC in conjunction with the National Forest Foundation and the US Forest Service are seeking input on "access to recreation opportunities and the needs of America's youth...."
Now I know you are probably not an ARC member. In fact, if you are receiving this message from Wild Wilderness, chances are high that your input is neither desired nor being solicited.
But as a public lands stakeholder with interest in the management of America's public lands, your voice should count as much as that of any of ARC's "members and partners". There's no reason why you shouldn't be permitted to participate in this process. It's not written in stone that the USFS must take it's marching orders from the ARC, though the incestuous relationship that has long existed between the ARC and the USFS often does look more like a marriage than the rape which it is.
As for the equally cozy relationship between the ARC and NFF, please be aware that until February 24, 1995, ARC's President, Derrick Crandall, was also the President of the NFF. I suppose that's polygamy and may even be legal in some states.
Pasted below it the ARC's invitation and a link where additional information can be found. Perhaps you'd like to participate or you know some else who might wish to do so.
Scott
PHOTO: Deputy Secretary of Interior, Steve Griles takes time for a picture
with ARC's June 10th Volunteer Work Day Coordinator, Carolyn Crandall.
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In Invitation to ARC's Members and Our Partners
Recreation Forums 2007 Posted on Fri, 01/26/2007
Your input is sought on access to recreation opportunities and the
needs of America's youth, on ideas for improving the nation's health
and education systems through recreation, on ways to recruit and reward
volunteers - as well as on other important topics.
<INVITATION FOLLOWS>
An Invitation...
For more than 100 years, Americans with ideas and commitment have
helped create opportunities to protect and enjoy our Great Outdoors.
The need for good ideas and action continues, and you are invited to
contribute personally to this legacy.
Five one-day regional Recreation Forums will be convened in March 2007
in Colorado, Georgia, California, Oregon and Illinois. Each will allow
caring individuals and organizations to share ideas, challenges and
information about programs that deserve to expand to meet the
challenges of the 21st Century. Your input is sought on access to
recreation opportunities and the needs of America's youth, on ideas for
improving the nation's health and education systems through recreation,
on ways to recruit and reward volunteers - as well as on other
important topics.
The Forums will also offer a chance to hear from and exchange ideas
with colleagues and friends from backgrounds very different from yours.
The Forums are free and will produce in formation and a listing of
suggestions and recommendations for a national Recreation Forum in
Washington, DC, in April 2007.
The National Forest Foundation and the American Recreation Coalition
are pleased to act as conveners of the Forums. Dozens of agencies and
organizations are already partners in this important project. We ask
for your help and involvement. For details on the Recreation Forums and
to request information or an opportunity to present your ideas, go to:
www.funoutdoors.com/recreationforums
March 1 Golden,Colorado
March 9 Marietta, Georgia
March 12 Los Angeles, California
March 15 Portland, Oregon
March 22 Chicago, IL
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- Land management 
