AUDIO: Heinrich Discusses HUNT Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On a press teleconference today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) discussed S. 1554, the Hunt Unrestricted on National Treasures (HUNT) Act, a bill he introduced to improve access to public lands for hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreation users.  He was joined on the call by Frank Hugelmeyer, Board Member of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, and President and CEO of the Outdoor Industry Association; and John Cornell, New Mexico Wildlife Federation.

Full audio can be found here.

More information about the HUNT Act can be found here.

Below are some highlights from the teleconference:

3:00 - “Hunting and fishing are a way of life for millions of Americans. New Mexicans often talk to me about their family’s deep connection to the outdoors. … And as a hunter myself, I remain deeply committed to preserving that heritage for our kids and our grandkids, and to continue to grow our outdoor recreation economy.”

3:25 - “With hunting season upon us, and National Public Lands Day and National Hunting and Fishing Day on Saturday, I think the HUNT Act is about as timely as ever.”

14:19 - “When you look at the entire outdoor recreation industry it’s absolutely huge across the West … in New Mexico it employs more people than mining, timber, oil, and gas development combined – 68,000 people.”

Senator Heinrich introduces Frank Hugelmeyer

3:43 - “Access to outdoor recreation is an investment in America’s economic future … each year, 50 percent of Americans make outdoor recreation a priority in their daily lives.”

Senator Heinrich introduces John Cornell

10:22 - “…having access to these quality places is extremely critical in retaining the current generation of sportsmen and outdoor recreation and recruitment … 304,000 hunters and anglers spent $579 million in New Mexico in 2011.”