OIA Policy Alert: LWCF Delay at the Department of the Interior

Washington, D.C. – Today, OIA Executive Director Lise Aangeenbrug made the following statement after the Department of the Interior (DOI) failed to provide a list to Congress detailing which Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) projects should be funded under the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA):

“We are deeply concerned by the agency’s failure to meet this straightforward statutory requirement. This delay stifles new outdoor projects from getting off the ground and keeps LWCF funding from flowing to communities that desperately need this money. When the Great American Outdoors Act was enacted earlier this year, it was met with great fanfare from the outdoor industry, members of Congress from both parties and the administration. For agency officials to drag their feet on implementing the most significant conservation law in a generation is not only perplexing, it demands an explanation.”
 
GAOA provides $900 million in permanent annual funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund and addresses the nearly $20 billion deferred maintenance backlog on federal public lands. 
 

Audio Outdoorist: Climate Klatch — Episode 1

Welcome to the first in a new Audio Outdoorist series we’re calling the Climate Klatch. A klatch is an informal gathering, usually involving conversations and coffee. In this series, we’ll deliver monthly conversations about climate action. Our goal is to keep you in the know on what’s happening in the outdoor industry and the broader world around the ever-evolving topic. These are meant to be high-level, bite-size insights and updates. Listen while you sip your morning jo, on your commute to work — if you’re still doing that these days — or while you’re getting ready in the morning or taking a short break midday.

In this first episode, Amy Horton, OIA senior director of sustainable business innovation, and Deborah Williams, OIA director of marketing, communications and storytelling, discuss the most impactful strategies for reducing and reversing global warming by the year 2050 and how the OIA Climate Policy Agenda aims to drive those strategies through a combination of responsible business and federal, state and local legislation.

 

 

More Resources:

 

Climate Interactive

Policy Alert: Outdoor Industry Applauds Introduction of the ‘Ocean Based Climate Solutions Act’

BOULDER, Colo. – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) commends Congressman Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) for introducing the “Ocean Based Climate Solutions Act” today. The bill would authorize federal funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to invest in ocean-based solutions to greenhouse gas emissions and conservation of coastal communities, as well as outline a national policy to protect 30 percent of the ocean by 2030.

“This landmark proposal leverages the power of conservation to combat climate change and positions our coastal communities to be an integral part of the solution,” said Executive Director of OIA, Lise Aangeenbrug. “Further, it focuses on establishing social and economic criteria to ensure our public lands and waters remain accessible, where appropriate, to all Americans and the businesses that rely on them. It is essential to have the right balance between conservation and providing Americans the access they need to thrive outside and participate in our robust outdoor recreation economy. We are pleased to see Rep. Grijalva’s legislation achieves this important balance.”

OIA’s 2020 Policy Platform, released in October 2020, supports the swift scale-up of natural climate solutions as a strategy for both climate mitigation and climate resilience across a variety of lands, waters, and habitat types – including the forests, rivers, lakes, streams, oceans, and coastal areas.

The bill awaits consideration by the House Committee on Natural Resources.

2020 Membership Dues Deferral

We recognize that the Coronavirus pandemic has put many companies, small and large, in a very difficult financial position. Our priority is supporting you through this challenging time. That is why we created the COVID-19 Resource Hub and why we have decided to defer OIA membership payments.

Current OIA members will have 120 days (expanded from the usual 30-day grace period) to pay their renewal invoice. You will continue to retain your full membership status and all of your OIA membership benefits for up to 4 months after your anniversary date.

In addition, we are waiving all initiation fees for new and renewing members.

If you have questions or would like more information, please reach out to our membership team at membership@outdoorindustry.org.

We are here for you. Together We Are A Force.

Outdoor Foundation and Winnebago Industries Foundation Support Communities to Thrive Outside

Outdoor Foundation and Winnebago Industries Foundation Support Communities to Thrive Outside

EDEN PRAIRIE, MINNESOTA, October 6, 2020 – More kids and communities will build meaningful connections to nature through the Winnebago Industries Foundation’s partnership support to Thrive Outside, an Outdoor Foundation collective impact initiative. During the month of October, Winnebago Industries will celebrate outdoor equity partners and inspire employees, family and friends to do good deeds and GO outdoors during its GO for Good Challenge.

“Thrive Outside is designed to create healthy individuals, communities and economies by making the outdoors a habit,” said Stephanie Maez, Outdoor Foundation managing director. “Centering community leadership and voice, Thrive Outside communities ensure that all people feel a connection with nature and realize the health and mental health benefits the outdoors provide.”

Launched in 2019, Thrive Outside provides multi-year capacity building grants to diverse communities to create or strengthen partnerships between existing local organizations such as schools, Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCAs and nonprofit conservation and outdoor organizations that engage kids and families in repeat and reinforcing positive outdoor experiences. Atlanta, San Diego, Oklahoma City and Grand Rapids, Mich. are the first Thrive Outside communities, with an additional four communities activating in 2021.

“Winnebago Industries and the Winnebago Industries Foundation strive to connect people with transformative outdoor experiences. We also are strong believers in the power of people working together to strengthen the communities they call home,” said Michael Happe, Winnebago Industries President and CEO. “As our team members kickoff a month of giving and outdoor wellness, we are thrilled to announce this partnership with the Outdoor Foundation, outdoor industry colleagues and communities across the country.”

To participate in the WGO for Good Challenge simply do a good deed, engage in an outdoor adventure, and inspire your friends and family on social media with #GOforGood.

About Winnebago Industries and Winnebago Industries Foundation

Winnebago Industries, Inc. is a leading North American manufacturer of outdoor lifestyle products under the Winnebago, Grand Design, Newmar and Chris-Craft brands, which are used primarily in leisure travel and outdoor recreation activities. The Company builds quality motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheel products and boats. Winnebago Industries has multiple facilities in Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota and Florida. The Company’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and traded under the symbol WGO.

The Winnebago Industries Foundation seeks to inspire new generations of outdoor enthusiasts, mobilize resources to reach people in need, and support employee volunteers to build strong communities where we work, live and explore. We focus our community investment in three impact areas: outdoors, access, and community. Learn more at https://winnebagoind.com/community.

About the Outdoor Foundation

The Outdoor Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Outdoor Industry Association, is a national 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to getting people outside for their health, the health of communities and the health of the outdoor industry. Through community investment and groundbreaking research, the Outdoor Foundation works with many partners to get more people outside more often. Visit outdoorfoundation.org for more information.

Winnebago Industries Contact: Sam Jefson – Public Relations Specialist – 641-585-6803 – sjefson@wgo.net

Outdoor Foundation Contact: Andriana Rogers – Marketing Communications Manager – 720-629-3542 – arogers@outdoorindustry.org
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2020 Voters Guide

This November, let’s use the power of the $887 billion outdoor recreation economy to influence the vote. check out OIA’s Voter Guide and get informed before you cast your ballot.

Love the Outdoors? Vote the Outdoors

When we head out on adventures we make a plan, check the conditions, text a friend, bring the essentials. It’s time we do the same for voting. Make your voter plan and #VoteTheOutdoors.