The below tools and fact sheets provide more information about outdoor recreation policy:

Recreation: Promoting sustainable outdoor experiences for all Americans

Recreation is one of The Wilderness Society’s special initiatives. We envision a broad and diverse community of people and organizations working to promote
widespread and sustainable enjoyment of America’s public lands. Our Principles for Sustainable Recreation guide our work:

• Connect to nature through public lands
• Conserve and respect our natural, historic and cultural heritage
• Promote enjoyable and safe recreation

  Download Recreation: Promoting sustainable outdoor experiences for all Americans

Trails Funding: Stop the Erosion

Trails serve the recreation needs of about 50 million1 hikers, cross-country skiers, horseback riders, off-road vehicles, bicyclists, and other recreationists on National Forests every year. Currently only 21% of Forest Service trails are maintained to standard.

• The number of Recreation Visitor Days on National Forest trails has in-creased 376% since 1977, and the trail miles have increased by 56.9% to meet the growing visitor need.
• The trail maintenance backlog has far surpassed annual trail budgets since the 1980’s and now stands around $296 million.
• Trails maintenance and construction budgets have remained flat—increasing only 1.75% since 1980 (after adjusting for inflation).

Download Trails Funding: Stop the Erosion