Category: Blog

Earlington, KY. — More than 170 youth and their families attended the first Take Kids Fishing Day held at Lockmary Lake in Earlington City Park on May 20. Hosted by Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA), IUE-CWA Local 83701 and the City of Earlington, the free event was designed to get local youth outdoors and learn about the sport of fishing.

“The turnout was incredible, especially for a first-time event,” says union member Loman Scarbrough, event organizer and president of the Hopkins County Jocks and Sportsmen’s Club. “All the kids had a great time.”

The rain and cold weather in the days leading up to the event were just in time to ensure a pleasurable experience for budding anglers, he added. “About half an hour after the rain stopped, cars started flooding the park and people kept coming all morning.”

More than 30 members of Local 83701 were on hand to help the young fishermen set up fishing rods, hooks, and catch catfish, bass, and panfish from the lake. Overall, union members donated more than 500 hours of their time to plan and organize the event in Earlington.

The fishing was followed by a free lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs for the kids and their families, after which each participant took home a free rod and reel, courtesy of the USA.

Several city officials, including Mayor Albert Jackson, also helped, according to Scarbrough. “The city was 100 percent behind this event,” she says, “it’s something our area sorely needed.”

People in and around Earlington, who share a rich history of union coal mining, are still reeling from a devastating tornado that claimed lives and destroyed homes in late 2021, Scarbrough explained. “They are strong, loving and supportive of one another,” she says, “and Take Kids Fishing Day was a perfect opportunity for all of us to come together and put smiles on the kids’ faces.”

In recent months, Scarbrough and the city council had been discussing the possibilities for a new community event when he heard about the Take Kids Fishing USA program.

“I sat down with some of my union officials who showed me the USA website, and we explored all it has to offer: community events, conservation projects, dinners, and more,” he says. “They asked me to reach out for more details, so I got in touch first via Facebook and then called the US Conservation Coordinator, Cody Campbell. He sent information right away and then helped with the planning. It all came together in a couple of months; it was so easy.”

“Seeing a local union, like IUE-CWA 83701, organize their first community fishing event is exciting and moving,” says Campbell. “Not only does it give union members the chance to do something for their friends and neighbors, but more importantly, it gives young people the chance to experience outdoor recreation in a way they never have before. ”.

The Earlington event was part of a series of free Take Kids Fishing Day community events organized through the US Work Boots on the Ground program with support from US national partners Provost Umphrey Law Firm, Union Plus and Humana, as well as the foundation partners UIG, ULLICO, Bank of Labor, AFL-CIO Investment Trust Corporation and Buck Knives.

Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA): USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to unions whose members hunt, fish, shoot, and volunteer their skills for conservation. America is uniting the union community through conservation to preserve North America’s outdoor heritage. For more information, visit www.unionsportsmen.org or connect on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Ground Work Boots (WBG): WBG is America’s flagship conservation program that brings together union members willing to volunteer their time and expertise for conservation projects that enhance and enhance public access to the outdoors, conserve wildlife habitat, they restore America’s parks and mentor youth in the great outdoors. The US Work Boots on the Ground program works closely with federal, state and local agencies and other conservation groups to provide the labor needed to complete critical projects that might otherwise go undone.

New Haven, Missouri – ALPS Mountaineering, maker of performance-driven gear for wilderness adventures, scouting and family camping, has introduced a mummy-profile sleeping pad to its new R line for 2023³ (Reduce•Reuse•Recycle) outdoor products.

The Flicker is ALPS Mountaineering’s first ultralight mattress made from recycled materials. This includes the 30D recycled polyester stretch fabric upper and the 30D recycled polyester fabric back.

Another unique feature of the Flicker is the construction of its air chamber. Unlike conventional self-inflating pads, the Flicker uses chains of small, pillow-like air chambers to maximize support and comfort on rough terrain. A flat valve makes inflation and deflation easy.

Designed for the cross-country adventurer, the Flicker rolls tight to minimize storage space and weighs 1 lbs. 4 oz. A material bag and a repair kit are included.

Flashing Mat Specifications

• Dimensions: 75x22x2 inches
• Packed size: 10×4 inches
• Weight: 1 pound 4 ounces.
• Color: iceberg green

For complete specifications or more information on the new Flicker backpacking pad and other sustainable camping gear from ALPS Mountaineering, visit alpsmountaineering.com

About ALPS Mountaineering:

ALPS Mountaineering began in 1993 with a singular mission: to build high-quality, performance-based outdoor products without the premium price that consumers would expect to find in quality gear. They continue to expand their product line into a wide range of categories including tents, backpacks, camp furniture, hiking accessories, lights, rainwear, and sleeping systems. Plus, all of their gear is backed by an industry-leading lifetime warranty, ensuring ALPS Mountaineering will be with you on all your future outdoor adventures. An ALPS brand company. Active lifestyle products and services.

Baschieri & Pellagri USA, manufacturer of the world’s leading shotshells for sporting and hunting clays, proudly congratulates B&P Pro Team member Diane Sorantino on her significant victories at the Northeast Sporting Clays Championship, November 17-21. May.

Diane earned an impressive four titles in the competition: Fourth Overall Women’s Champion, HOA Vet Women’s Champion, FITASC Slam Veteran Women’s Champion, and Masters Cup XXIII Women’s Runner-up. She competed in various events over five days, demonstrating her superior skills and consistency.

“We are delighted with Diane and her outstanding performance in this prestigious competition,” said Holly Hammond, Marketing Manager for B&P USA. “Diane is a world-class competitor and a valued member of our professional team. Her victories this week prove once again why she is considered one of the best female sports shooters.

“I am very proud to represent B&P, a company that produces the highest quality shotshells that give me a competitive advantage,” Diane said. “The Northeast Sporting Clays Championship attracts the best shooters, so to win four wins is extremely rewarding.

Baschieri & Pellagri USA is committed to providing its brand ambassadors and professional shooters with the most reliable and accurate ammunition possible. This dedication is at the heart of what the company stands for. Every employee works diligently to ensure brand ambassadors and professional shooters are equipped with the most reliable and accurate ammunition available.

For more information on B&P shotshells, visit Baschieri-PellagriUSA.com.

About Baschieri & Pellagri USA

Baschieri & Pellagri, founded in 1885, has led the world in innovation and quality standards of buckshot ammunition for the hunting and competitive shooting segments and is the developer of the Gordon Recoil Attenuator Case. B&P shotshells have long been the industry benchmark for world-class competition and field sports performance.

About CSG:

CSG, headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic, is a diversified industrial group active in five strategic business segments: aerospace, defense, automotive, rail and commercial projects, where it operates globally. CSG Group is 100% controlled and led by Michal Strnad, who has been able to transform it into the most relevant industrial group in the Czech Republic with a strong international presence. CSG employs more than 8,000 people worldwide and owns and manages a diverse portfolio of industrial and commercial companies in the civil and defense sectors. Over the years, CSG has established several strategic partnerships with top-tier European and US multinational companies, including General Dynamics, Siemens, Stadler, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Airbus, NexterSystems and Rheinmetall.

Team finishes strong at NFAA marked-distance 3D Nationals, USAT Gator Cup

gold tip^®industry leader in carbon arrows and bolts, along with Bee Stinger^™Manufacturer of the most advanced line of stabilizers and side bars for bowhunting and archery, congratulates its professional shooters on back-to-back weekends of impressive tournament victories.

At the NFAA Marked Distance 3D Nationals, held May 5-7 in Redding, California, it was a close race to the top of the podium. In the Men’s Senior Pro, staff member Mark Rubio showcased his depth of skill by taking first place, while staff manager Tim Gillingham took third place. In the Men’s Pro, Kyle Douglas also placed third after a tight three-way tiebreaker.

The tournament also featured a “best ball” style team event featuring two-shooter teams. In the Senior Pro division, there was a three-way tie for first place and Gillingham’s center shot secured the win for both him and his teammate, Gold Tip staffer Benton Christensen.

The Gator Cup of USA Archery, a qualifying event for Team USA Archery, was held the following weekend and again saw Team Gold Tip and Team Bee Stinger finish strong. Pro staff member Austin Taylor took home second place in the Senior Pro division, while KJ Polish dominated in the Para division and the team events, taking first place in both. Meanwhile, Gillingham finished in second place in the Masters Division, while Bee Stinger shooter Ken Brunko took home his first Gold Medal. Throughout the event, most of the Gold Tip archers shot at Pierce Tours for his upwind skills.

For more information on Gold Tip Arrows, visit GoldTip.com and for more information on Bee Stinger Stabilizers, head to BeeStinger.com.

About the golden tip

Gold Tip, a Vista Outdoor brand, is an archery manufacturer of the most innovative, durable and accurate carbon arrows in the world. Each Gold Tip arrow is manufactured from the finest aerospace grade materials and built to meet industry weight and straightness specifications. Gold Tip products are backed by a network of friendly and knowledgeable employees, dealers and distributors. That’s why so many of the world’s top professional archers depend on Gold Tip, and why bow hunters and archers say Gold Tip makes the toughest arrows they’ve ever shot. For product news and information, visit www.goldtip.com or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/goldtiparrows/ and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/goldtiparrows/.

Herrin, Ill. More than 70 youth gathered at Herrin City Park on May 20 to wet a line during Take Kids Fishing Day hosted by Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) and Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) Local 773.

A group of 20 Local 773 volunteers were on hand to help the kids set hooks and catch catfish, bass and panfish from the city park’s lake during the free community event. Later, union volunteers served lunch to the boys and their families, and each young angler went home with a free rod and reel, courtesy of the USA.

Overall, union members donated over 80 hours of their time to plan and organize the Take Kids Day event in Herrin.

“This is the first time our community has had an event like this in quite some time,” says Jerry Womick, LIUNA International Midwest Region Representative and co-organizer of Take Kids Fishing Day in Herrin. “At one point, another group held an annual fishing event for children with special needs, but there hasn’t been anything like it in a few years.”

As a proxy for the US board, LIUNA International Assistant Regional Manager Matt Smith is familiar with all of the community-oriented programs the US offers and proposed reviving a day of fishing for kids.

“This area in southern Illinois is rural and there is a lot of interest in hunting and fishing among the people who live here,” says Smith. “When Jerry and I talked about starting a Take Kids Fishing Day, we knew it would be a perfect way to connect with our union members, and for union members to connect with the community at large.

“America also deserves our thanks for helping us get kids outdoors to enjoy nature and the sport of fishing.”

US board member John Paul (JP) Smith, executive assistant/chief of staff to the AFL-CIO national secretary-treasurer, attended the event not only as a union representative, but also as a father whose 11-year-old son years participated.

“America and the workers at Local 773 did a fantastic job,” he says. “For people who, for whatever reason, haven’t been exposed to the outdoors, this is a nice and easy way to get a little exposure.

“My son is autistic, and it’s the first time I’ve been able to take him fishing in a somewhat controlled environment. He learned to cast his rod and got to touch a fish for the first time. Then he asked when we could fish again.

“In my opinion, the Take Kids Fishing Day program might be the best thing America is doing. It takes them off their screens for a while and exposes them to nature and conservation. And as a board member, seeing firsthand what the organization and the volunteers do makes me appreciate them even more.”

Womick also credits the strong support of the community for the success of the event. “Mayor Steve Frattini and Herrin Park District Board Member Bob Sciffilo were behind the idea from the beginning and were instrumental in moving it forward,” he says. “We are all excited to work with the US to host an event for children that hasn’t been available to them in a long time. And we are already looking forward to next year; making it bigger and better, and perhaps inviting volunteers from other construction trades to join.”

“While this was the first Take Kids Fishing Day for Local 773, it’s not the first time this group has been involved with a US business. Local 773 helped with a large project in North America Recreation Area. Marcum in Rend Lake, Illinois, which involved a pollinator trail, a state-of-the-art archery range, and a mountain bike trail,” says US Conservation Coordinator Cody Campbell. “The fishing event is just another example of union members coming together for the benefit of their communities,”

The Herrin event was part of a series of free, community-based Take Kids Fishing Day events organized through the US Work Boots on the Ground program with support from US national partners. Provost Umphrey Law Firm, Union Plus, and Humana, as well as partners UIG, ULLICO, Bank of Labor, AFL-CIO Investment Trust Corporation, and Buck Knives.

Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA): USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to unions whose members hunt, fish, shoot, and volunteer their skills for conservation. America is uniting the union community through conservation to preserve North America’s outdoor heritage. For more information, visit www.unionsportsmen.org or connect on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Ground Work Boots (WBG): WBG is America’s flagship conservation program that brings together union members willing to volunteer their time and expertise for conservation projects that enhance and enhance public access to the outdoors, conserve wildlife habitat, they restore America’s parks and mentor youth in the great outdoors. The US Work Boots on the Ground program works closely with federal, state and local agencies and other conservation groups to provide the labor needed to complete critical projects that might otherwise go undone.

Fire up your backyard barbecue and prepare to impress – grilling season is right around the corner! There’s a world of outdoor dining possibilities out there, so avid grill masters should make sure they’re fully prepared for an epic cooking competition.

preparation is key

Start by stocking up on essential supplies like charcoal, matches, and lighter fluid. Get good kitchen utensils, such as tongs, spatulas, knives, and forks, to cook safely and efficiently. Make sure the grill is clean and in good condition. Finally, take some time to go over the basics of grilling before you fire up the barbecue for optimal results this spring and summer.

When looking for kitchen tools for the barbecue season, get a good set. Tongs are great for flipping and turning food on the grill without burning your hands. Spatulas are ideal for delicate items like fish and vegetables, as they help turn delicate items without breaking them.

Before barbecue season begins, it’s a good idea to make sure all knives are sharp and ready to use. When selecting and sharpening grilling knives, look for blades with a medium length and pointed tip. Chef’s knives are great for cutting a variety of vegetables and large pieces of meat like steak or salmon for skewers, while paring knives are ideal for smaller slicing tasks. A sharpening system is an invaluable tool that can help keep your blades in top condition all season long; be sure to sharpen them frequently to maintain the sharp edge of kitchen knives.

boar solution

The V-Sharp Xtreme Edge+ Combo Case perfectly balances portability and performance. It is perfect for leaving home with your family and friends and heading to the beach or the lake. This lightweight 8-ounce knife sharpening system is made of ABS plastic for durability and weight savings. It offers a wide range of angles with two double-sided 325-grit diamond blades and finishing steels to keep your knives in tip-top condition no matter where you grill. With snap-on rods, quickly switch between 17°/20°/25° or 30° when you tackle any outdoor barbecue adventure.

Warthog knows: successful cooking starts with sharp blades!

Characteristics

extreme edge

• 4 snap angle settings
• (17°, 20°, 25°, 30°)
• 325 grit natural diamond rods (included)
• 600 Grit or 1000 Grit (optional)
• comes in black
• super light
• Durable ABS plastic housing.
• adjustable spring tension
• Finishing Steels (included)
• 1 year warranty
• Weight: 8 ounces (229 grams)
• Retail Price: $74.99

boar.com

For over 20 years Warthog Blade Sharpeners have been manufacturing and exporting high quality diamond knife sharpeners. Warthog was established in 1999 with the goal of creating a world first and innovative knife sharpener that would deliver better results than any competitor on the market. Treat your blades with the respect and care they deserve. We have done extensive research on various types of knife sharpeners, and the results may surprise you. Microscopic photographs of the edges show just how much damage traditional sharpeners can cause.

For more information please visit
WWW.WARTHOGUSA.COM

The competition has raised more than $6 million since it began 34 years ago.

More than 940 fishermen and 470 boats hit the water in Palatka over the weekend during the 34^he Wolfson Children’s Hospital Annual Bass Tournament, one of the largest bass fishing tournaments in Florida.

The three-day event featured different competitions each day with the main tournament taking place on Saturday, May 20. Daniel Robertson and Steven Keith of High Springs, Fla., won first place overall with a five fish total weight of 25.11 lbs. Second place went to Randall Alvarez of Starke, Fla., and Jocham Williams of Macclenny, Fla., with a total weight of 24.42 lbs. Chris Cercy of Middleburg, Fla., and Eric Roberts of Jacksonville, Fla., took home third place weighing in at 21.75 lbs.

Thursday’s Lads and Lasses Tournament winners were: Syler Prince and Rileigh Stout of Palatka, Fla., with an aggregate weight of five fish of 23.95 lbs., followed by Ronnie Council and Reta Szlosek of Palatka, Fla., in second place. with a total weight of 21.83 lbs. Charles and Kelly Moody of Green Cove Springs, Fla., placed third with a total weight of 19.49 pounds.

During the VIP & Friends Tournament on Friday, May 19, Danny Inabnett and Randy Sievert of DeLeon, Fla., took home first place with a five fish total weight of 17.73 lbs. Derek Daniels of Macclenny, Fla., and Michael Johnson of Raiford, Fla., placed second with a total weight of 17.18 pounds, and Eric Lewis and Kevin Flanigan of Jacksonville, Fla., placed third with a total weight of 16.34 pounds

Winners took home more than $48,000 in cash prizes.

This year’s Bass Tournament raised more than $436,000 in donations, bringing the total contributed to Wolfson Children’s Hospital in the event’s 34-year history to more than $6 million. All proceeds from this year’s event benefit Wolfson Children’s C. Herman and Mary Virginia Terry Heart Institute, helping to fund life-saving cardiology and cardiac surgery equipment and cutting-edge technology.

“For more than three decades, the Wolfson Children’s Hospital Bass Tournament has brought together thousands of anglers from across the Southeast together with the community to support the hospital’s mission of providing world-class care close to home,” said Sam Dean, tournament manager. Co-Chairman and Director of the Baptist Health System of Plant Facilities. “We are grateful to everyone who participated in the tournament or purchased a ticket to the next annual jackpot drawing. Together we are helping to make a difference in the lives of children and families across the region.”

The public can still enter a drawing for a chance to win a 2023 21′ Model 21XRS Bullet Boat with Trailer, courtesy of Bullet Boats, valued at $78,000 (engine included), until noon on Friday, June 2. will air on Facebook Live on Saturday June 3 at 11am.

The Wolfson Children’s Hospital Bass Tournament began in 1989, when the director of the Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville Plant Facilities department, along with several others, wanted to raise money for technological advances at Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Today, it is one of the largest tournaments in the state that raises money for children. Tournament grantee Wolfson Children’s Hospital provides comprehensive medical and surgical care to sick and injured children in North Florida, South Georgia and beyond.

Major sponsors for the 2023 tournament included:

• Title Sponsors: Miller Electric Company and WW Gay Mechanical Contractor, Inc.
• Hero Sponsor: Osborn Engineering
• Major Sponsor: Facility Automation Solutions

the 35^he Wolfson Children’s Hospital’s annual Bass Tournament is scheduled for May 16-18, 2024. Early bird registration is now open online.

To see photos of the winners and the event, click here.

Wolfson Children’s Hospital depends on the generosity of our community members. To support Wolfson Children’s Hospital, visit wolfsonchildrens.com/dar.

About Wolfson Children’s Hospital of Jacksonville

Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, is part of Baptist Health, the most comprehensive healthcare system in Northeast Florida serving all stages of life. Wolfson Children’s is the only pediatric hospital in Northeast Florida and serves as the pediatric referral center for North Florida, South Georgia and beyond. Staffed 24/7 by pediatric nurses and other health professionals specially trained to work with children, the 276-bed, patient- and family-focused hospital is equipped with the latest technology pediatric physician in a welcoming and child-friendly environment. At Wolfson Children’s, nationally recognized pediatric specialists representing nearly all medical and surgical specialties work with pediatricians to provide care for children of all ages with congenital heart conditions, cancer, neurological disorders, diabetes and endocrinological disorders, orthopedic conditions, behavioral health, traumatic injuries. , and more. Wolfson Children’s collaborates with pediatric organizations, including Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburghhe University of Florida College of Medicine—Jacksonville and Mayo Clinic Florida. Wolfson Children’s Hospital, a Magnet™-designated hospital since 2010, has been named among US News & World Report’s Top 50 Hospitals for Children year after year, and in 2021, was selected as one of eight hospitals for children in the country as Leapfrog Top Children’s Hospital, a recognition of quality and patient safety. For additional information, visit wolfsonchildrens.com.

New Haven, Missouri – ALPS Mountaineering, maker of performance-driven gear for wilderness adventures, scouting and family camping, is pleased to introduce the company’s first series of tents developed with a focus on environmental sustainability. New Felis Tents Highlight the R of ALPS Mountaineering³ initiative to Reduce • Reuse • Recycle.

“In an effort to be more mindful of our earth’s resources and the impact we have as outdoor gear providers, we are increasing our efforts to make our products as sustainable as possible,” said the ALPS founder. Mountaineering, Dennis Brune. “At ALPS, we are transitioning our packaging and the materials we use in our products to use more recycled content than ever before. This is a company-wide commitment to 2023 and beyond.”

The new Felis gazebo is made with recycled fabrics to meet the company’s R3 sustainability goals and is offered in one-, two- and four-person configurations. Designed for shorter pack lengths to fit smaller packs and panniers, the Felis Freestanding comes with side release buckles to allow the compression bag to attach to handlebars, canoe seats, and packs to maximize storage space. burden. Matching recycled fabric footprints are also available for all models.

Featuring dual 7000 series aluminum poles, the Felis assembles quickly thanks to snap-on pole clips. Additional features include mesh storage pockets and an interior gear loft, single (Felis 1) or double (Felis 2 and Felis 4) vestibules for large gear storage, half-mesh walls for better ventilation, a fly Weather resistant buckled and factory-sealed fly and floor seams for maximum weather protection.

For complete specifications or more information on the new Felis Series tents, visit alpsmountaineering.com

About ALPS Mountaineering:

ALPS Mountaineering began in 1993 with a singular mission: to build high-quality, performance-based outdoor products without the premium price that consumers would expect to find in quality gear. They continue to expand their product line into a wide range of categories including tents, backpacks, camp furniture, hiking accessories, lights, rainwear, and sleeping systems. Plus, all of their gear is backed by an industry-leading lifetime warranty, ensuring ALPS Mountaineering will be with you on all your future outdoor adventures. An ALPS brand company. Active lifestyle products and services.

Mogador, OH. Crossbow leader TenPoint Crossbow Technologies recently took home both awards at Outdoor Life’s annual crossbow test.

Outdoor Life’s Best Crossbows of 2023

• Editor’s Pick: TenPoint Flatline 460
• best value: Wicked Ridge Raider 400 Dismount

“We are honored to be named an Editor’s Choice and Best Value,” said Phil Bednar, CEO of TenPoint. “Unlike other brands of crossbows, TenPoint and Wicked Ridge are the SINGULAR focus of our energies. Every day, our goal is to design the finest, most affordable feature-packed crossbows on the market. Outdoor Life’s test results prove what we already know: TenPoint makes the best crossbows in the world and that no other brand can offer the features and values ​​available in our Wicked Ridge crossbows.”

Designed for the hardcore hunter who wants a micro-footprint to maximize shooting opportunities, but isn’t willing to sacrifice speed or accuracy, the Flatline 460 measures just 26.5 inches short and shoots at 460 feet per second. Equipped with NEW scope struts that provide a rock-solid mount for the scope, it offers unmatched durability and long-range accuracy.

Starting at $749 and built in America, the Raider 400 De-Cock is the lowest priced takedown crossbow on the market and shoots 400 feet per second.

Outdoor Life’s annual testing includes crossbows with velocities from 368 FPS to 515 FPS and published prices from $550 to $4,000. Each of them is extensively tested in areas such as speed, accuracy, cocking, and handling.

To read the full Outdoor Life article, visit https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-crossbows/

TenPoint Crossbow Technologies is 100% American owned and operated, and all of our crossbows are made in Mogadore, OH.

For more information, please contact Brian Flaherty, Director of Marketing, [email protected] or www.tenpointcrossbows.com

BHA maintains that wetlands and other waters with a significant connection to traditional navigable waters should retain the protections of the Clean Water Act

WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court ruled against clean water and wetlands, narrowing the interpretations for the test that determines the Clean Water Act’s protections under so-called “waters of the United States.” Yesterday’s ruling in favor of the plaintiff in Sackett against the Environmental Protection Agency removes safeguards for nearly all wetlands in the country and dramatically reduces EPA’s authority to protect other wetlands and waterways that provide valuable habitat for fish and life. wild.

The Clean Water Act was enacted to restore and maintain the quality of U.S. waters and wetlands. In part, it regulates the discharge of pollutants into “navigable waters,” which are broadly defined as “the waters of the United States”. By restricting protections for waters to only those with a “continuous surface connection,” the Supreme Court dramatically reversed course in previous rulings that had protected any wetlands with a “significant nexus.” Many of these wetlands are connected to stream heads and systems that provide critical habitat for fish and wildlife, such as the beach lakes in the Southwest and the prairie potholes region of the Midwest that is the “duck factory” of North America.

In 2022, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers joined groups including the American Fly Fishing Trade Association, Izaak Walton League, National Parks Conservation Association, National Wildlife Federation, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Association and Trout Unlimited to file an amicus curiae brief in the Sackett case. Together, those groups, representing millions of hunters, fishermen, national park advocates and outdoor recreationists, argue that wetlands with a significant connection to traditional navigable waters should be included in the Clean Water Act’s protections. They also contend that the plaintiffs’ proposed interpretation of the landmark law is based on a misreading of the law’s text, structure, and purpose.

“This Supreme Court ruling is a punch in the stomach for fish and wildlife and for the American people who have just lost clean water protections for most wetlands across the country,” said John Gale, BHA vice president of policy and government relations. “Instead of seizing the opportunity to ensure greater certainty for wetland systems and ephemeral and intermittent streams often connected to wetland complexes through surface and subsurface flows, the court has ensured future litigation and increased vulnerability for migratory birds, cold-water fisheries, and millions of people who want cleaner, safer drinking water.

“For half a century, our nation has enjoyed a bipartisan commitment to wetland protections and the Clean Water Act,” Gale stated. “The court’s decision has unraveled that legacy and eroded proven safeguards.”

The groups’ amicus brief describes how the narrow interpretation proposed by Sackett would subject most wetlands in the United States to industrial pollution without penalty and that state protections would not make up for the loss of federal protections. He outlines how reducing Clean Water Act coverage would have devastating effects on wetlands, rivers and streams, fish and wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities for millions of hunters, fishermen, and recreationists.

Healthy rivers, streams, and waterways are an integral part of the health of America’s public lands. The loss of clean water protections could have significant economic consequences for outdoor recreation, which supports $788 billion in consumer spending and more than 5 million jobs in the United States. More than 50 million Americans fished in 2019, with fishing and hunting contributing $200 billion to the American economy.

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is the voice
for our wild public lands, waters and wildlife

Learn more about BHA:
Visit our website.
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Watch us on YouTube.

http://www.backcountryhunters.org/