Winter Wildlands Alliance’s Post

Now’s the time for feedback!! Let’s make sure this document includes us all!!

Check out the article I wrote on the Texas State Parks Centennial Time Capsule for TPWD Magazine, which was published in this month's issue! https://lnkd.in/gJECEYpF

Are you looking to fund trail projects on federal lands? Consider attending this free webinar tomorrow with the Oregon Trails Coalition: Join recreation staff from the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Oregon Regional Offices to learn about the different colors of federal funds that can be utilized for trails and related amenities. Learn more about how to work with local district staff to get trails projects on priority lists and how to pursue Cost Share Agreements for stewardship partners to participate in the work. https://lnkd.in/gkS74W4v

I'm looking forward to speaking about Parks, Trails, and Open Space Planning at the Arizona Planning Association and Arizona Association for Environmental Education conferences in September! Do you have a favorite park, trail, or open space project in AZ? Share below or send me a message! 🚵♂️ 🚣♂️ 🚴♀️ 💚 🌵 "Parks, trails, and open spaces are essential to enhancing community well-being and quality of life. This session will emphasize the importance of public access to mountains and rivers for outdoor recreation and wellness. Past and ongoing planning efforts for parks, trails, and open spaces in Arizona will be shared, as well as local case studies. Tools and resources to support planners in parks, recreation, and conservation planning will be identified."

When you think of the word "wilderness," what is the first image that comes to your mind? For many, it might be national parks — but in truth, wilderness can be found all around us, if you take the time to reconsider our traditional relationship to nature.   In my very first opinion piece for the Marist Circle, I stepped into the role of environmental advocate to offer my own definition of wilderness. Check it out at the link below! https://lnkd.in/e8tTG6A3

The Top 8 State Parks in Illinois

🚨 New Guide for Parks and Recreation Professionals 🚨 We're excited to share our latest free guide "Mastering Parks & Rec Surveys: The Comprehensive Guide to Better Community Engagement." This in-depth guide features step-by-step instructions, example scenarios, and tips covering: ✅ The fundamentals of survey planning and creation ❌ Common pitfalls to avoid 📢 Effective response collection methods 🔎 Best practices for survey result analysis Download your free guide today to unlock the transformative power of effective surveys for your agency! #parksandrecreation #wearexplor

Reflected on the difference between conservation and natural resource management in this one!

June is Recreation and Parks Month (JRPM)! Access to parks and recreation fosters personal and environmental health, social inclusion, and strong communities. This JRPM, we encourage you to support outdoor recreation by learning more about invasive species. Invasive species can impact the ability to enjoy outdoor space by forcing closures (such as Emerald Lake, B.C., due to whirling disease), encroaching on trails, compromising native species and biodiversity that support the health and beauty of natural spaces, and incurring management costs. For example, picture a lake that has been rapidly clogged up by European water chestnut, preventing the boating and swimming enjoyed in previous years. Things you can do to help protect your local parks and spaces? 🍃Play Clean Go by brushing off your pets, boots, and gear before and after entering a natural area. 🍃Buy firewood locally. 🍃Clean Drain Dry your watercraft. 🍃And more! Learn on: https://bit.ly/3Ehk7nq

For a few more years, the Great American Outdoors Act will address critical repair projects and improve visitor experiences in our national parks. However, the current funding won’t be able to repair every broken bathroom, crumbling trail or outdated visitor center. The backlog of repair needs at our national parks has reached more than $22 billion, and routine maintenance and repairs currently outpace annual investments by Congress. Parks are more popular than ever before, but infrastructure needs continue to impact visitor access and safety and park resources. NPCA and our members and supporters are urging Congress to extend the Legacy Restoration Fun at current levels for an additional five years. This will ensure our parks can continue to welcome visitors and protect the natural and cultural resources that tell our nation’s history. We're here to keeping making more park success stories. #GAOA #GreatAmericanOutdoorsAct #NationalParks #ParkFunding #FundOurParks #ProtectOurParks