NWTF Applauds the Launch of the All Americans Outside Initiative
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Last week, the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management launched its All Americans Outside initiative in Moab, Utah. The initiative is designed to connect people with America's public lands and mirrors the NWTF's vision statement of a nation united by the life-changing power of the outdoors.
The BLM's effort is designed to encompass all areas of outdoor recreation, including hunting. At the launch of the initiative, agency officials described the goal of promoting outdoor recreation as a way to support health and wellness, expand opportunities for youth and veterans, strengthen volunteer stewardship and build partnerships that benefit public lands and communities.
"We are encouraged to see the many parallels between the All Americans Outside initiative and the work the NWTF has been accomplishing for decades," said Matt Lindler, NWTF director of government affairs. "Our vison — a nation united by the life-changing power of the outdoors — is grounded in the work our volunteers and staff accomplish across the nation, be it introducing youth to the outdoors, providing disabled hunters and veterans with assistance to get them in nature or working to improve the health of our public lands. We applaud that the BLM is expanding this to all outdoor recreators; together, we can become united by the places where we recreate and our nation's natural resources."
Research shows that access to outdoor recreation enhances the quality of life, promotes physical and mental well-being, cultivates community bonds, stimulates economic activity and generates new job opportunities and businesses. In short, access to the outdoors is paramount to hunters and all Americans.
Additionally, outdoor recreation is a $1.3 trillion economic driver that supports more than 5 million jobs each year. Maintaining and improving access and accessibility infrastructure on America's public lands and waters helps sustain this economic contribution while ensuring all Americans can enjoy the many benefits of outdoor recreation.
"We are excited to support the Bureau of Land Management's All Americans Outside Initiative," Lindler said. "It is what the NWTF is all about: healthy habitats, healthy harvests and a nation united by the life-changing power of the outdoors.”
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 25 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. Since 2022, the NWTF has also invested over $2.7 million in critical wild turkey research that, when leveraged with partner contributions, has resulted in more than $25 million to guide the management of the wild turkey and to ensure sustainable populations. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale to create healthy forests and wildlife habitats, clean and abundant water, resilient communities and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF is committed to creating a nation united by the life-changing power of the outdoors.