Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee:
Thank you for the opportunity to present background and recommendations concerning the investment of economic stimulus funds; creation of employment opportunities; and investment in our recreation infrastructure on lands and waters managed by the USDA Forest Service (Forest Service).
Investment in recreation infrastructure represents a timely, efficient and effective investment of economic stimulus funds. Investment in recreation infrastructure will:
> Stimulate local communities and rural economies by creating thousands of jobs across the country.
> Support the $1 trillion outdoor recreation industry in the United States.
> Provide quality, beneficial outdoor recreation experiences for this and future generations.
> Provide critically needed employment and job training for our nation’s young people.
> Tap an existing well of agency planning, programs and partnerships that will allow for immediate investment of stimulus funds on “shovel-ready” infrastructure projects.
Choose Outdoors, Inc is a 501(c)3 non-profit formed to engage Americans, especially young people, in healthy, active outdoor activities and pursuits. A significant component in achieving our goals is ensuring a spectrum of quality, outdoor recreation experiences is available to all Americans. A focused effort is needed to provide the necessary venues and infrastructure. While national headlines speak to health crises; an epidemic of obesity; and inactivity among adults, the Forest Service is closing picnic areas, campgrounds and trails due to deteriorating infrastructure and backlogged maintenance.
Now is the time to invest in our national forests. By putting Americans to work on projects that maintain our recreation legacy, generations of Americans will thank you in the future for your leadership today.
Existing Agency and Private Sector Capacity
The outdoor industry and the American people are ready to help. Thousands of companies, organizations and associations – coast-to-coast, large and small, for-profit and non-profit – comprise the outdoor industry. Every year more Americans engage with and volunteer on their public lands and waters. These forces can be brought together in true partnership where all benefit.
In testimony and communications with committee staff, the Forest Service has outlined recreation infrastructure projects and programs that are both time-tested and ready for implementation in the field; representing an effective and efficient means of economic stimulus as outlined below:
> First, all of the activities we propose here can be accomplished using existing authorities and programs. The agency need not develop new rules, regulations, or programs.
> Second, it is critical for the department and agency budget staff to immediately transfer funds and spending authority to field units.
> Third, the Forest Service has a wide array of implementation tools that can deliver money to businesses and workers quickly. Investments should be streamlined via service contracts, stewardship contracts, and cooperative agreements, which can be offered and awarded quickly.
> Fourth, the agencies have significant capacity to hire temporary and seasonal employees and use the Economic Action Program, AmeriCorps, Youth Conservation Corps, and Jobs Corps to combine job training with stewardship activities. Appropriately mixed with service and stewardship contracts and agreements, these programs can train young workers and get projects done quickly.
[Note: Agency funding authority/appropriations caps for Youth Conservation Corps and other programs may need to be adjusted to allow increased and immediate investment of funds.]
Forest Service Recreation Infrastructure
Trails
Trails are the foundation of recreation on the national forest system. Ready access to quality recreation sites and experiences requires a professionally designed and well maintained trail system. As with any foundation, a lack of regular attention and maintenance can lead to costly repairs in the future. Currently, the Forest Service has an estimated $450 million in deferred maintenance on over 150,000 miles of national forest system trails.
Recreation Facilities
Literally thousands of recreation sites spread across the country are in dire need of maintenance and facilities upgrades. Roads, parking areas, picnic and camping facilities, and the critical water and sanitation systems that support these recreation areas represent the gateways to forest service recreation and are in need of replacement and repair.
The agency has invested heavily in completing travel management plans for road and trail projects across the national forest system. Immediate funding is needed to install public information infrastructure, signage, kiosks and bulletin boards to educate and inform the recreating public.
Key projects involve motorized, non-motorized, equestrian and bike trails. Upgrades are needs in parking and trailhead facilities, visitor information, trail maintenance, bridges and boardwalks to protect sensitive environments and habitats.
Off-Highway Vehicle Management
The agency has a significant investment in and support from the recreation community for travel management. Travel planning is either completed or underway on forests and grasslands across the country. Immediate funding is needed for visitor education; signage; and law enforcement to provide quality recreation opportunities.
Protection of Cultural and Heritage Sites
Preservation of cultural and heritage sites is fundamental mandate of the Forest Service and critical to the American people. Additionally, heritage tourism represents a growing economic asset in many rural communities.
Again, deferred maintenance inventories provide “shovel-ready” projects ready for on-the-ground implementation.
National Forest Scenic Byways Program
Scenic byways on the national forest system play a critical role in tourism and local economies. Through economic stimulus funds, investments can be made in visitor centers, kiosks, and roadside information; marketing; and upgrading links to local communities and tourism opportunities along the Byways.
Thank you for your consideration of these request and your efforts to invest stimulus funds in these critical recreation infrastructure projects.
Statement of Bruce Ward
Managing Director
Choose Outdoors, Inc.
January 7, 2009
