Partners Outdoors 2008: A Conference Report
“UNLOCKING THE FUN AND BENEFITS OF THE OUTDOORS TO ALL AMERICANS, AND ESPECIALLY YOUTH”
January 13- 16, 2008
Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, Snowbird, Utah
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Opening Session
Bob Bonar, President of Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, welcomed more than 125 Partners Outdoors participants to Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, which he described as “the world’s greatest snow on earth.” He explained how Snowbird operates on 600 acres of back country, 60% on federal land, and characterized the partnership between Snowbird and the Wasatch-Cache and UintaNational Forests as outstanding. Mr. Bonar noted that a diverse amount of activity occurs on this “small footprint of land” serving nearly one million visitors annually. Through partnerships with the USDA Forest Service, Snowbird is able to provide quality memories while improving the environment in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Dale Hall, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, shared alarming statistics that provided ample justification for the focus of this year’s Partners Outdoors. He reported that Kaiser Foundation research reveals that today’s teens are six times more likely to play a video game than ride a bike. He also noted that statistics show there has been a four-fold increase in obesity in children in 30 years. Mr. Hall explained that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has six priorities, five dealing with natural resources and one connecting people to land – based on the belief that if we do not connect young people to the outdoors today, there will be no value placed on conservation and natural resources tomorrow. If we reach kids between the ages of three and 12 with great outdoors experiences, “we’ll have them for life,” said Mr. Hall. While the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service welcomed 7,000 youth visitors to the National Wildlife Refuge System last year, their goal is to quadruple that number. Mr. Hall warned that if Congress is not being told that conservation is valued by the public, the Members of Congress will ignore it and support alternative uses of the public lands.
Lyle Laverty, Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, opened his remarks by expressing concern about the dramatic changes in the U.S. landscape – a loss of 6,000 acres of open space a day, four acres a minute. Mr. Laverty noted that we are losing what author Richard Louv called “special places.” He encouraged the Partners Outdoors participants to go beyond “happy talk” and take action to deal with a changing America.
Mr. Laverty also stressed the necessity of allowing children to “discover” nature. There is competition for leisure time, and federal land-management agencies are facing “wicked problems” with no easy answer, said Mr. Laverty. He believes that a strategic response is needed, something simple that focuses on partnerships. Mr. Laverty reminded the group of Dorothy’s journey in The Wizard of Oz, noting that Dorothy’s companions sought a brain, a heart and courage. These are the elements that are needed for successful partnerships, he said, the kinds of partnerships that will unlock the outdoors for the American people.
Mr. Laverty concluded his comments with the charge to participants to make this Partners Outdoors “one of meaningful change, to make a difference in this country, to impact children’s lives, and leave a legacy of people who care about our natural resources.” He urged everyone to act on the information received and the recommendations made at Partners Outdoors and to “do the right, right thing.”
Monday, January 14, 2008
General Sessions
“Partners on Public Lands” Part One
Gilbert Welch, Vice President of Planning and Operations for Marinas International, opened the first general session of Partners Outdoors by summarizing the challenges the recreation community faces in attracting and serving America’s youth. The reports that children are spending 6.5 hours every day watching screens and that the budgets of public agencies to fight this trend are decreasing are both serious issues that need attention, stated Mr. Welch. He introduced the morning’s first panel of federal agency and recreation industry leaders, who discussed programs, initiatives and partnerships focused on the recreational needs of the public, especially today’s youth.
The first general session panel included four pairs of public-private recreation- community partners. Edwin Roberson, Assistant Director of the Bureau of Land Management, and International Mountain Bicycling Association Government Affairs Director Jenn Dice shared examples of the societal benefits available through recreational use of public lands. Mr. Roberson highlighted BLM’s focus on “planned and enlightened use of public lands.” He explained how BLM’s “recreation program is a visible element that contributes fundamentally to life’s enjoyment.” Ms. Dice praised IMBA and BLM’s longstanding federal lands partnership. She encouraged participants to think back to their first bicycle, reminding the audience that “kids don’t fall in love at an information kiosk – we must make their experience fun!” IMBA and BLM will join together for the IMBA World Summit, June 18-21, 2008 in Park City, Utah, focusing on youth issues.
The challenges of attracting and maintaining recreation partners were discussed by Bureau of Reclamation Chief of Congressional and Legislative Affairs Ryan Serote. Mr. Serote noted that at the Bureau of Reclamation recreation competes for funding with public safety and environmental issues. “Relying on partnerships is key to maintaining the land and enhancing recreation use,” said Mr. Serote. He also pointed out that the Bureau of Reclamation endorses Interior Secretary Kempthorne’s children- and-nature initiative as well as the Catch A Special Thrill - C.A.S.T. program, Take A Kid Fishing Day, and Otto the Otter water safety program. John Schoppmann, Executive Vice President for Forever Resorts, echoed Mr. Serote’s comments regarding the challenges and rewards of partnerships, noting that Forever Resorts is a proud partner with the Bureau of Reclamation at BlackCanyon in the Lake Meade National Recreation Area. Mr. Schoppmann pointed out that Forever Resorts’ commitment to connecting children and families to the outdoors was demonstrated by engaging programs such as “Lessons on the Lake,” which involved over 6,000 children participating on house boats.
Gloria Manning, Associate Deputy Chief of the USDA Forest Service, reported that recreation forums held over the past year had revealed that young people did not know about the Forest Service and did not seem to care. She explained that as the Forest Service began to follow up on the forums, they recognized that they could not engage children in the same ways as they had in the past. In response, the agency launched More Kids in the Woods with $500,000, funding 26 programs that reached 22,000 kids and generated 100 news articles. To demonstrate the program’s impact, Ms. Manning cited the remarks of one young participant who had described herself as “a big city girl.” After her More Kids in the Woods experience, she commented, “I recognized there is other beauty than just movies and malls.” Ms. Manning also reported that the Forest Service has begun researching opportunities to incorporate technology in the woods and that the agency looks forward to partnering with ARC for the upcoming National Get Outdoors Day on June 14, 2008.
Snowbird President Bob Bonar followed up and agreed with Ms. Manning’s assessment that partnerships work best when both parties win. Snowbird and the Forest Service have had great success with taking kids out into the woods and allowing them the opportunity to discuss environmental issues and the great outdoors. Mr. Bonar also explained how Snowbird’s guest donation program of $1 per night to the National Forest Foundation supports trail maintenance, trash pick up and the protection of endangered species in the forest. He described some of Snowbird’s other successful partnerships – with Primary Hospital in Salt Lake, former NFL star Steve Young, Al Roker from the Today Show, the Utah Avalanche Center and the Cottonwood Canyon Foundation – all encouraging safe and fun recreational opportunities for kids in the great outdoors.
The next set of public-private partners noted that 590,000 miles of federally managed roads play a key role in connecting America to its public lands. Larry Anderson, Director of Program Administration for the Federal Highway Administration’s Central Federal Lands Highway Division, and Henry Hanka, America’s Byways Resource Center Director of Special Projects, both noted the public benefit of partnerships. Mr. Anderson outlined the possibilities of leveraging initiatives beyond federal lands, while Mr. Hanka encouraged the renewal of major corporate involvement in the Scenic Byways programs. “We are looking for partnerships to get families out into the great outdoors,” concluded Mr. Hanka.
Photo from left to right:
Bob Bonar, John Schoppmann, Ryan Serote, Larry Anderson, Gloria Manning, Henry Hanka, Edwin Roberson, Jenn Dice
“Partners on Public Lands” Part Two
Dick Kemp, President of the National Forest Recreation Association, kicked off the second part of the Partners on Public Lands session, emphasizing the urgency of the topic. “It is not just about having fun,” he said. “It’s a need to renew, to get stronger, to connect to nature. America is watching and it is important that we succeed.”
Dale Hall, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, reiterated the need for “successional planning” and the training of future leaders to be conservationists. He noted that the AmericanAcademy of Pediatrics had recently reported that free and unstructured play was healthy, allowing better stress management and encouraging collaboration. Mr. Hall challenged the participants, stating, “The world has changed. It is important we pass along a better world than we inherited.”
Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) President Frank Peterson elaborated on RBFF’s methods of increasing recreation participation through efforts reflected in their “Discover, Share and Protect” motto. In 2007, RBFF enrolled over 100,000 kids in fishing and boating programs and their goal this year is 125,000 kids, said Mr. Peterson. He described the Angler’s Legacy program where 22,000 Ambassadors are introducing new folks to fishing and reported that RBFF’s ultimate goal is to have one million Ambassadors. A better job of communicating the reasons why children should be outdoors will engage the public in this issue, asserted Mr. Peterson.
Rick Potts, Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Division Chief for the National Park Service (NPS), reported that the Centennial Initiative’s recent boost of funding will allow for 3,000 new seasonal rangers on the ground, giving hands-on experiences that will encourage a positive introduction to the outdoors. The additional funding from Congress will also benefit NPS interpretive and educational programs such as Junior Rangers and Web Rangers. Mr. Potts reminded the participants that “we cannot just do one thing (the NPS Centennial Initiative) and leave out other public lands. We need to raise all the boats to keep the parks and other public land systems afloat.” Recreation Vehicle Industry Association President Richard Coon expressed his appreciation to the National Park Service for their commitment to keeping kids in the outdoors. Mr. Coon counseled, “Look beyond the parents; go to the grandparents.” While parents are hard pressed for time, there is a generation of retiring baby boomers, with a tremendous diversity of talent, who want to fight the predicted disconnect of children and nature, said Mr. Coon.
Wrapping up the Partners on Public Lands session were Major General Don Riley, Director of Civil Works for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Cindy Squires, Chief Counsel for Public Affairs and Director of Regulatory Affairs with the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). General Riley explained the Army’s interest in engaging today’s youth in the outdoors. He reported, “Thirty-two percent of youth do not qualify for the Army because of the obesity factor; 30% lack the education requirements and 20% are disqualified because of their legal background.” The Corps needs to expand its partnerships to match the 4,300 recreation areas it manages, he asserted. Quoting George Washington, who said, “Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair,” General Riley called for the Corps to bring Americans outdoors and off the streets. Ms. Squires discussed the challenges of re-energizing the boating industry and the benefits of working closely with the Corps of Engineers. She explained how NMMA is demonstrating the positive economic impact of boating and marinas through online data reports to be shared with policy makers. NMMA is also working with Tom Griffin of First Tee fame in promotion of the National Youth Marina Alliance to provide a stable funding source for bringing youth on the water.
“Reaching Kids in the 21st Century: New Strategies Needed”
Gary Kiedaisch, one of the recreation industry’s most dynamic leaders, was scheduled to lead this discussion on reaching youth with information about outdoor fun. When he was unable to attend at the last minute, Derrick Crandall, President of the American Recreation Coalition, stepped in to share Mr. Kiedaisch’s presentation. Mr. Kiedaisch had outlined the challenges of getting kids outdoors, noting the lack of “triggers” like the large “In-N-Out Burger” signs that draw the interest of young people. Mr. Kiedaisch’s presentation encouraged the use of technology and social networking to attract kids’ attention through the communication methods they are familiar with and use on a constant basis. Recent reports also show that an emerging, ageless Generation C (for communication) is acquiring its information from the Internet and social networking, said Mr. Crandall. He emphasized the importance of utilizing communication tools like text messaging, Facebook, and iTunes to engage youth in outdoor recreation.
Mr. Crandall also reported on the 2007 Recreation Forum project, where five regional forums and one national forum were held, focusing on the connection between youth and the outdoors. The forums confirmed the lure of technology and the need for easier access to the outdoors, said Mr. Crandall. He reported that many young people were taking trips to public lands mostly through church groups and that there was a need to have close-to-home areas offer engaging and excellent experiences of the outdoors. Mr. Crandall finished with an “ah-ha” moment, noting that social networking and other online tools are not used by federal officials because access to Facebook, YouTube, and other sites is blocked by most federal IT offices!
Robin Snyder, an innovative outreach and education specialist for the National Park Service, discussed the challenge of engaging a new audience of minority youth.
Ms. Snyder, who oversees the Earthworks and other interpretative programs at the Petersburg National Battlefield, is faced with the challenge of interesting urban youth in the history of the Civil War. Her success at Petersburg yielded some great best practices, which she shared with the Partners Outdoors participants. Ms. Snyder recommended listening to the audience, getting to know them, and knowing what they like. Today’s youth enjoy user-generated programs and appreciate being invited into the creative process, she said. Ms. Snyder dismissed any anxiety that technology will ever supersede the actual experience. “It will never replace the real deal,” she predicted. Finally, Ms. Snyder described the thrill children feel being in the woods, and her enjoyment and satisfaction in connecting kids to the outdoors. She closed the session by challenging the Partners Outdoors participants to provide exciting experiences for our youth.
“What Do 21st Century Kids Think About Outdoor Opportunities?”
Denise Meridith, CEO/President of Denise Meridith Consultants Inc., led a panel of Utah Conservation Corps alums, Mike Bodrero and Natalie Hulse, and the current Utah Conservation Corps program administrator, Sean Damitz, through a discussion on modern-day youth’s interest in and perception of outdoor recreation. Ms. Meridith asserted that today’s youth are much less monolithic than ever before, disliking any labels placed on them. She warned of “wrong assumptions, which lead to wrong conclusions, that end in wrong programming.” Mike and Natalie helped shed some light on how teenagers and youth in their early twenties can get involved in outdoor recreation. Both panelists agreed that nothing replaces the actual experience of outdoor activity. Natalie noted that many of her friends back in Nebraska were not interested in the outdoors because they had never had the opportunity to experience it. Natalie also noted that she had been surprised to learn that outdoor recreation did not always mean X-Game-style, extreme sports. She was pleased to find that a short walk through the woods or a moderate bike ride were all accessible to her. This anecdote illustrated the panel’s assertion that kids are not involved in the outdoors because they are not connected to opportunities to get them there, not because they don’t want to be there. Lack of information yields a lack of interest, the panel asserted, agreeing that the greatest source of information was word of mouth, followed by having your own transformational experience. Mr. Damitz added that the Utah Conservation Corps and programs like it around the country give college students access to federal agency leaders and the opportunity to have a hands-on experience in the recreation-career field.