The Image of Recreationists
By Del Albright

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I wish I knew how much money the anti-access folks spend on their image – and perhaps how much of that money goes towards tainting the image of recreationists.  Have you ever wondered how the media always seems to be able to get its hands on plenty of bad press about multiple-use on public lands?  It occurs to me that someone else is painting MY image – not me.  I don’t think I like that.

Politicians certainly have no shortage of photos and “studies” showing a one-sided view of multiple use of our lands.  Anti-access folks seem to be able to come up with plenty of fodder that taints the image of recreationists and other multiple users.  Targeted activities include: driving on beaches that for years were public access (Black Sands Beach, CA); logging (everywhere, USA); mining (Utah and other western states); controlled burning (Los Alamos, etc.); snowmobiling (Yellowstone); and four-wheeling (most everywhere, USA). 

We (recreationists and multiple-users) are portrayed in a bad light.  But how on earth do they manage to convince a large segment of voters to believe this garbage?  Yes, the voters herein mostly live in cities and don’t necessarily understand recreation and multiple-use; but some of them must understand.  How can they be so manipulated into believing that “using” our public lands (or in some cases, private lands) is the same as “abusing” them?

I suggest thinking of your image the same way you think of your reputation or your integrity. Most all of us will go to extremes to protect our reputation, credibility, integrity, and honor.  Well, our “image” should get equal protection.  It’s time to find ways to enhance (and protect) our image.

I can see about 5 steps we need to take (all of us).

I’ve written before about self-policing.  That’s the first step.  Don’t allow someone to violate the rules.  Stop them.  Correct the situation on the spot.

Education is the second step.  Share your knowledge of responsible use of our lands and resources.  If you need to know more, take the effort to learn more.  Become informed so that you can inform others.

The third step is spending money on our image.  Groups, clubs, organizations and individuals need to spend some bucks on enhancing our image.  If we have to hire consultants, let’s do it.  If we have to re-direct some of our precious budget to brochures, handouts, etc., let’s do it.  If we have to sponsor folks to represent our clubs at big events wherein we can show our positive image, let’s do it.

Being proactive is the fifth step.  If we spent only ¼ of the time developing image-building ideas as we do planning a recreational event, we’d probably be light years ahead.  We may have to get “outside the box” and think along different lines.  I suggest we get ahead of the curve and develop ways to enhance our image locally, so as not to always be reactionary.  We also need to work with manufacturers who put ads in magazines and help them be proactive with us.

Banding together (uniting) is the sixth step.  Multiple use is the answer.  Banding together builds strength and provides a united front.  We can also share budgets; find ways to enhance multiple images at once; and lessen the impact of anti-access propaganda.  It takes some planning and a lot of cooperation, but I believe we can do it (for sure, we can do more of it).

I feel my honor, my integrity, and my reputation are on the line when someone portrays my image as “bad.”  Our image is who we are to most people.  Perception becomes a reality.  I’m tired of someone else telling me what my image is.  It’s time we took control.

DEL

About the Author: "My service to the public is simply to help lead the charge to ensure public lands are kept open to the public!  As Founder/Moderator of the Land Use Network, I spend time every day helping folks to FIGHT BACK to keep public lands open.   To do that, the first step is to understand the political process (and the shortcuts); then to know how to deal with bureaucrats; and finally to get involved.   I consider myself a multiple user (dune buggies, dirt bikes, four wheeling, boating,camping, hunting etc.).  I've been exploring the back county (by motor) for nearly 40 years in one form or another.   I've also served in government service for 30 years.

Organizations I belong to include:

Founder/Moderator, Land Use Network
State Environmental Affairs Coordinator, CA4WDC
Board of Directors, Blue Ribbon Coalition
Member: United4WDA; Motherlode Rockcrawlers 4WD Club;
Tread Lightly! High Desert M/U Coalition; Friends of Death Valley;
Charter Member: Resource Education Network and NAMRC"

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