Access to streams and waterways is the most important factor in public participation in – and the perpetuation of – outdoor traditions such as angling and hunting.
Public access opportunities, however, are far from guaranteed. Laws governing ownership of streambeds vary widely from state to state. Well-moneyed efforts to further lock out everyday sportsmen from public rivers are advancing, with several major losses occurring in recent years. This impacts not only individuals but also an entire industry.
Until now, no national sportsmen’s group has tackled the issue of stream access.
At ICAST/IFTD, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is launching a national campaign,
Stream Access Now. BHA has emerged as the leading sportsmen’s voice on issues related to conservation of our public lands and waters – and our ability to access these places.
Stream Access Now focuses not only on engaging and informing anglers and other sportsmen about stream access; it also works to combat the greatest threats to access, state by state.
Alongside some of the most influential brands in the angling industry, BHA is launching a campaign to raise funds and awareness around the issue of stream access. This will enable us to uphold, enhance and expand access to flowing waters – our birthright as Americans and a mainstay of the outdoors industry.
Join a press conference on Thursday, July 14, at 3 p.m. ET to learn about Stream Access Now.
Speakers will include the following:
- Land Tawney, President and CEO, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Missoula, Montana
- Garrison Doctor, Co-founder, Rep Your Water
- Hilary Hutcheson, Trout TV
- TBD, Orvis
To attend the event in person, go to room W309-B at the Orange County Convention Center.
If you’d like to join the event via teleconference, contact McKalip for details.
From BHA:
