Sportsmen, Lawmakers Rally to Protect America’s Public Lands

Omnibus Bill Provides for Crucial Wildlife Habitat, Healthy Watersheds and Streams, and Resources and Recreation Opportunities that Drive Local Economies

March 18, 2009 -- On a telephone press conference today, hunters and anglers from across the country pushed for passage of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, a collection of bills vital to America’s sporting heritage.

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U.S. Representatives Nick Rahall (D-WV), Shelley Capito (R-WV), Buck McKeon (R-CA), and Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) also stood with hunters and anglers at a separate Capitol Hill press conference to push for swift legislative action.

“This package of bills include many important provisions for America’s public lands and waters, which provide crucial habitat for game birds, deer, and elk and provide healthy watersheds and streams,” said Steve Torbit, Regional Executive Director, National Wildlife Federation Rocky Mountain Natural Resource Center.

“The Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 will conserve critical public lands and waters, which provide important wildlife habitat and provide resources and recreation opportunities that drive local economies,” Torbit said.

Public lands are a fundamental part of America’s outdoor recreation industry that contributes $730 billion to our economy and supports 6.5 million jobs – or 1 in 20 American jobs.

Most of the more than 160 individual bills included in the Omnibus Public Land Management Act have been through the normal legislative process and enjoy broad bipartisan support in Congress.

Source: National Wildlife Federation