As Summer Begins, National Groups Advocate Ways to
Protect Health and Keep Public Lands and Waters Open and Safe
This May 2020, a newly formed coalition of outdoor groups created the Recreate Responsibly initiative to share ways for outdoor enthusiasts to stay healthy while enjoying public lands, parks, trails, waters, and other outdoor areas.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, more folks are spending time outside because of the mental and physical benefits that fresh air and nature provide. As state officials reopen outdoor spaces, people want guidance on how to reduce the risk to themselves and others while enjoying time outside.
Specifically, the Recreate Responsibly initiative is designed to limit new COVID-19 outbreaks and ensure public lands and waters can remain open to the public by providing clear, consistent guidance for individuals, families and communities. The following tips are based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, state and local public health guidelines and recreation experts:
- Know Before You Go: Check the status of the place you want to visit. If it is closed, don’t go. If it’s crowded, have a plan B.
- Plan Ahead: Prepare for facilities to be closed, pack lunch and bring essentials like hand sanitizer and a face covering.
- Stay Close to Home: This is not the time to travel long distances to recreate. Most places are only open for day use.
- Practice Physical Distancing: Adventure only with your immediate household. Be prepared to cover your nose and mouth and give others space. If you are sick, stay home.
- Play It Safe: Slow down and choose lower-risk activities to reduce your risk of injury. Search and rescue operations and health care resources are both strained.
- Leave No Trace: Respect public lands and communities and take all your garbage with you.
“Recreation.gov is often the first stop for visitors as they plan their trips and make reservations on federal land and water locations throughout the country,” said Rick DeLappe, program manager for Recreation.gov. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have supported our participating agencies as they adjust to this quickly evolving situation. As locations begin to reopen and welcome visitors, we feel the Recreate Responsibly coalition is sending the right message at the right time to encourage everyone to safely enjoy our National treasures.”
“People all across the nation are eager to get back outdoors to experience nature, and in this uncertain time, it is the reprieve and little bit of normalcy that many of us need,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz. “When each person acts in a responsible way, it helps ensure we are able to promote safety and are able to continue welcoming people to our public lands. In Washington state, our recreation community has come together in an extraordinary way to promote responsible recreation. I truly believe this work can serve as a model for the rest of the country and help keep all our communities safe while also allowing us all to enjoy the outdoors.”
“We need nature and the benefits it provides now more than ever. This is especially more important for the many communities that lack the same types and levels of access to the outdoors,” said Maite Arce, president and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation. “One of the first steps to making the outdoors more inclusive is by translating the information into other languages like Spanish. We can even lessen COVID-19’s effects and the effects of future disasters with holistic conservation policies and safe outdoor access for all.”
“Spending time outdoors has been important for many Americans during this public health crisis,” said Eric Artz, president and CEO of REI Co-op. “As our public lands and waters reopen, we’ll all benefit from clear, easy-to-follow guidance on how to recreate responsibly – whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a family heading to your local park. At REI, we’re grateful that the outdoor community is coming together so quickly to simplify and amplify tips for ensuring we all recreate with health and safety in mind. This is the type of collaboration that will help keep our public spaces open.”
“No matter how you like to recreate, we are all united by the love we share for our public lands and waters,” said Adam Cramer, executive director of Outdoor Alliance. “We have a shared responsibility to not only care for these places but to care for our fellow citizens, and these guidelines help show the way.”
“The outdoor industry understands why Americans are clamoring for the many health benefits of getting outside, and we are hard at work to ensure they can access the outdoors safely,” said Lise Aangeenbrug, Outdoor Industry Association executive director. “We strongly believe that ‘together we are a force’ should be the motto for protecting the outdoors, and it is great to see so many national groups come together to shape the conversation about responsible recreation during this public health crisis.”
“Healthy outdoor recreation activities like boating provide one of the safest atmospheres for Americans and their families to spend time relaxing and playing together,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association. “Whether you’re boating, swimming or fishing on a lake, bay or ocean, it is up to everyone to recreate responsibly so we can enjoy our beloved pastimes this Memorial Day and beyond.”
About the Recreate Responsibility Coalition
The Recreate Responsibly Coalition is a newly formed partnership of nonprofits, outdoor businesses and land managers developing and sharing best practices to protect each other and our natural landscapes. We are a diverse community brought together by our love of the outdoors and a desire to help everyone experience the benefits of nature safely during this public health crisis.
Building off the work of the Washington state coalition, which formed to provide guidance to the public as Washington’s public lands were slowly reopening, the national coalition is a working group that looks to unify and amplify common-sense guidance about getting outside during COVID-19.
The national group includes partner organizations representing a diverse community of outdoor groups and advocates committed to helping all Americans navigate new norms and experience the benefits of nature during the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more, visit recreateresponsibly.org.
American Hiking Society
Children & Nature Network
City Parks Alliance
Hispanic Access Foundation
LBC Action
Leave No Trace
National Forest Foundation
National Park Foundation
Outdoor Afro
Outdoor Alliance
Outdoor Industry Association
Outdoor Recreation Roundtable
PeopleforBikes
REI
The Conservation Alliance
The North Face
The Trust for Public Land
Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership
Washington Trails Association
