Patagonia, adidas and Arcteryx join 350 leaders in new letter to Trump
25/10/2017
Outdoor companies, either individually or as part of the Outdoor Industry Association, have regularly petitioned for protection of these spaces.
The president is reviewing whether to rescind, modify or maintain national monument designation.
The new letter says undoing the protections will devastate local communities and their economies that rely on these lands.
“The outdoor sector supports 7.6 million good paying, American jobs, contributes $887 billion annually to the economy and generates $125 billion in state, local and federal taxes. Public lands are also an important economic asset that extends beyond tourism and recreation.
"Counties with more protected federal lands have stronger employment, personal income, and per capita income growth. Businesses rely on access to public lands for employee recruitment and retention, adding millions more in additional jobs and economic activity. These local economies represent the American dream and give the United States a unique competitive advantage.”
Signatories include Greg Thomsen, managing director of adidas Outdoor USA; Jon Hoerauf, president of Arc’teryx Equipment; John Walbrecht, president of Black Diamond; Jeff Bowman, chief development officer at Cocona; Tim Boyle, CEO of Columbia Sportwear; David Parkes, founder of Concept III; and Rose Marcario, CEO of Patagonia.
They concluded: “It has been said that the establishment and protection of America’s land and water is among our nation’s best ideas. We agree. These places were entrusted to us and it is our shared responsibility to remain responsible stewards of them.”
Photo credit: adidas Outdoor
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