BHA highlights importance of conservation within Vermont's economy (Part 2)

The nitty gritty. Everyone's intentions, after all, are good. If we're going to invest in our rural communities, this is one constructive approach. To do so all while minimizing the loss of habitat in our wild places. Developing the economy in ways that are, you know, less impactful than steel and concrete and contribute to the health of visitors and local population is awesome, but right it's There is a long time assumption, or at least chosen ignorance of trails are ecologically neutral. And we know now pretty unequivocally they're not. To reiterate a point from the original episode, we're all trail users and we think they're great. Still, the BHA community really values wild places in unfragmented landscapes. These places are becoming extraordinarily rare in the Northeast. As a result, both the New England and New York chapters have been stepping up their efforts to communicate with decision makers that unfragmented landscapes are vital for wildlife and dispersed recreation alike. For example, members of the Vermont team attended the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Day at the Statehouse in Montpelier this past February. The purpose of the event is to highlight the positive impact outdoor recreation has on Vermont's economy, residents, and those who visit the state. While most attendees were focused on trail based outdoor recreation, BHA brought a unique perspective to the table. Vermont's traditional recreational activities like fishing, hunting and trapping rely solely on clean water and healthy habitats. These activities contribute over one third of the economic impact of the outdoor recreation sector during non winter months, while also providing essential food and funds for conservation. For example, last year Vermont hunters generated 3.5 million servings of venison, along with $7 million in Pittman Robertson funds. Chapter leaders in attendance urged lawmakers to support policies that protect Vermont's roadless trailists and contiguous undeveloped areas, as well as ensure that fishing and hunting continue to benefit all Vermonters. A quick update from episode three, where we looked at road ecology.