The U.S. Forest Service and the Boone and Crockett Club signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in late May that underscores the importance of sustaining outdoor recreation opportunities. The document puts particular emphasis on public access for hunting, angling, wildlife conservation, habitat stewardship and conservation education.
Fourteen other organizations participated in the signing and are recognized as collaborating partners to support the implementation of the MOU. Under the framework the Boone and Crockett Club will convene with these partners to identify, develop and implement opportunities to enhance recreational access on public lands.
“We appreciate the attention of Chief Schultz and the Forest Service, along with our partner conservation organizations, on the challenge of recreational access on public lands for hunting,” said Boone and Crockett Club chief executive officer Tony Schoonen. “Enhanced recreation and access opportunities can help increase awareness and engagement on forest health issues and build support for increased funding for access and conservation on national forests. We look forward to collaborating through this MOU to enhance access to the National Forest System lands for hunters, anglers and recreational shooters.”
The Forest Service was officially established in 1905 and today manages 154 national forests and 20 national grasslands. They span 193 million acres—in 43 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands—and include some of the nation’s premier hunting destinations.
“The Forest Service welcomes nearly 164 million visitors each year to our national forests and grasslands, and approximately 14 percent—nearly 23 million people—participate in hunting, fishing or target shooting activities annually,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz. “National forests offer stable, predictable and affordable access to high quality wildlife habitat—an essential benefit for hunters and conservationists dedicated to fair chase and public land heritage. We are committed to strengthening this strong partnership with an historic institution, such as the Boone and Crockett Club.”
The Forest Service, Boone and Crockett Club, and associated stewardship partners will work together in the coming months to evaluate opportunities, resources, research and other needs that will support efforts or projects to enhance recreational access. Other groups participating in the MOU include: America Outdoors Association; Archery Trade Association; Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies; Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation; Mule Deer Foundation; National Shooting Sports Foundation; National Wild Turkey Federation; National Wildlife Federation; Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever; Professional Outfitters and Guides of America; Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation; Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society; Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership; and Wild Sheep Foundation.
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