DALLAS, Texas -(Ammoland.com)- A representative for DSC was on hand as Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke signed orders to expand access to public lands and overturn the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (Service) ban on lead ammunition and fishing tackle on Service lands.
The DSC representative joined others from the outdoor sector in celebrating the advance in conservation, public access and wildlife stewardship.
“Outdoor recreation is about both our heritage and our economy. Between hunting, fishing, motorized recreation, camping and more, the industry generates thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity,” said Zinke. “Over the past eight years however, hunting, and recreation enthusiasts have seen trails closed and dramatic decreases in access to public lands across the board. It worries me to think about hunting and fishing becoming activities for the land-owning elite. This package of secretarial orders will expand access for outdoor enthusiasts and also make sure the community’s voice is heard.”
Secretarial Order 3347 advances conservation stewardship, improves game and habitat management, and increases outdoor recreation opportunities by directing bureaus and agencies to immediately identify areas where recreation and fishing can be expanded.
It also requests input from the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council and Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council for suggestions for enhancing and expanding access to public lands and improving fish and wildlife habitat.
Zinke also overturned the Service’s lead ammunition and fishing tackle ban with Order 3346. The lead ban was issued on former Service Director Dan Ashe’s final day at the Service.
Secretary Zinke’s order cites the “lack of significant communication, consultation, or coordination with affected stakeholders “as one of the reasons behind Order 3346. Both orders are effectively immediately.
“Along with outdoorsmen and women across America, DSC and its members applaud Secretary Zinke on his commitment to protect hunting, angling and outdoor recreation,” said DSC Executive Director Ben Carter. “This is a great first step of the new administration and is a achievement for wildlife and outdoorsmen alike.”
About DSC:
A member of IUCN, DSC is a mission-focused conservation organization, funded by hunters from around the world. With an administrative staff of less than 15 and a volunteer army of 500, DSC hosts the Greatest Hunters Convention on the Planet that raises funds for grants in conservation, outdoor education and hunter advocacy. In the past five years, more than $5 million has been channeled to qualified projects, organizations and programs in support of that mission.
Get involved with DSC on their website.