STATE AND FEDERAL POLICIES CONCERNING OUTDOOR RECREATION

Introduction State and federal agencies manage the use of natural resources, both consumptive and non-consumptive.

The goal of state and federal agencies for recreation was once to provide park and recreation services. That goal has changed. Photo by Jim Peaco courtesy of Yellowstone Park, National Park Service, DOI.

Providing recreation is a private industry. This does not exclude private industry from working with state and federal laws. The state agencies continue to provide recreation outlets to the public.

State Policy State agencies are closer to the people than the federal government. They are the link between community needs and a voice in federal government.

Planning and research help states make recreational use of resources available to the public at the lowest cost.

It was the Depression, in the early 1930’s, that showed the need for recreation. It prompted federal government to provide state funding for recreational development. Photo courtesy of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 matched state funds for recreational land use planning. At the same time, the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities created state committees to provide funds and encourage creative activities.

Currently, the following are the seven major functions of the state in leisure and recreation. Policy development and local governments; Provision of areas, facilities, and services; Management of plants and wildlife;

Research and education; Promotion of tourism; Establishment and enforcement of standards and regulations; and Cooperation with federal agencies.

Policy Development and Local Governments Each state has an agency that sets natural resource use policy. In Texas, it is the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. They make the rules and policies that direct the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. All states have a similar body.

Provision of Areas, Facilities, and Services Parks and historical sites in Texas offer comfortable places for guests. These include Bed and breakfasts, Bunkhouses, Cabins, Dining & recreation halls, and Lodges, Screened shelters. Barracks,

Campers can share park facilities. Access is provided for a fee. The length of stay can range from hours to days or even weeks. Sites available for disabled Americans. States do not manage national parks.

Management of Plants and Wildlife The state agency will manage wildlife, both plants and animals. A strong fauna community is the result of the right plants in the habitat. Photo by M. Jasek.

State biologists monitor conditions and make recommendations to the state commission. State agencies, such as the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality, assist private landowners.

Research and Education Research and education are major activities of all states. Photo by Elise Smith courtesy of U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

In Texas, the TP&WD sponsors the following educational programs: Hunter Education, Angler Education, Boater Safety, Exploring Texas, Project WILD, Photo by Richard Enriquez courtesy of U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Outdoor Kids Network, Becoming an Outdoors-Woman, Summer Camps, and Community Outdoor Outreach Program.

Research is ongoing. It is aimed at providing a well-managed state flora and fauna. The result is sustained outdoor recreation for the public.

Promotion of Tourism Tourism is a major economic industry in many states. Historical sites and parks are available in every state. This is another means of recreation for the public. Photo by M. Jasek.

Establishment and Enforcement of Standards and Regulations Recreation includes everything from hunting to nature walks. Laws and policies control activities. Each state has their own wildlife and recreation code and the governing agency to enforce that code.

In Texas, about 500 game wardens in the Law Enforcement Division of the TP&WD work to enforce that code.

Cooperation with Federal Agencies Each state governs its own resources. Although independent of the federal government, states still comply with federal guidelines. State policy cannot conflict with federal guidelines.

Federal Policy More than 70 federal agencies affect recreation. The Bureau of Outdoor Recreation (BOR), established in 1963, and the Land and Water Conservation Fund, 1964, are two pieces of landmark legislation for recreation.

The Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service replaced the BOR in 1978. One of its duties was to conduct a National Recreation Survey. It was abolished in 1981 and the National Park Service assumed its duties.

In the late 1980’s, the National Forest Service was asked by the NPS to coordinate the next survey. The Outdoor Recreation and Wilderness Assessment Group is the research branch of the National Forest Service.

Working with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, they share the responsibility of conducting the National Survey on Recreation and the Environment (NSRE). The survey includes questions related to the following issues.

People’s wildlife and wilderness uses; Environmental issues; Attitudes regarding public and management issues; and Recreational needs of people with challenging and disabling conditions.

Major agencies that deal with land allotment and recreation are as follows: National Park Service, U. S. Forest Service, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Extension Service, and U. S. Travel and Tourism.

Many laws have been enacted over the years. The following are some of the major pieces of legislation related to outdoor recreation. 1891 Forest Legislation Act 1916 National Park Service Act 1935 Historic Sites Act

1956 Fish and Wildlife Act 1963 Bureau of Outdoor Recreation Organic Act 1965 Land and Water Conservation Act 1968 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act 1969 National Environmental Policy Act 1970 Environmental Education Act 1983 National Trails System Act

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Reproduction or redistribution of all, or part, of this presentation without written permission is prohibited. Instructional Materials Service Texas A&M University 2588 TAMUS College Station, Texas 77843-2588 http://www-ims.tamu.edu  2006