AAA Pushes to Cut Trail Funding. Speak Up Now!

[Go directly to RTC's AAA petition page.]

Ask AAA to be part of America's transportation future! Sign the petition.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) wants Congress to cut long-standing programs that support trails, biking and walking in order to divert those funds to the highway system. (Read the background.)

These programs have played a major role in the development of more than 19,000 miles of rail-trail across the country, most likely including your favorite local trail. These trails and other walking and bicycling facilities allow individuals across the country to enjoy the outdoors and safely and easily travel without a car for many short trips—while saving money and gas, and getting exercise in the process.

AAA has forgotten that bicyclists and trail lovers drive, support AAA, pay gas taxes and want balanced transportation systems that provide the choice to get around in a variety of ways.

Help us help them remember!

Dear AAA, I am one of tens of millions of Americans who want safe, convenient places to bicycle and walk. AAA, be a part of America’s transportation future! Say YES to the federal programs that fund all ways of getting around—including trails, bicycling and walking!

Sign the Petition

Was this message forwarded to you? Want to manually fill out the petition yourself? Go to the petition page now.

Midnight Tour - potential documentary?

5RDS welcomed producers and videographers who have previously worked with National Geographic and Discovery Channel on a late night guided tour to Mound Island. Joel and Michael escorted our guests while searching for Salamanders and Frogs in an effort to build a potential documentary on the Delta! Joel even caught a "cottonmouth" for the awed visitors, who left both impressed and keen for more experiences from 5RDS!

We look forward to working further with our guests on the creation of a documentary that brings the Delta into households nationwide!

Baldwin County Swimming Advisory Lifted

Effective July 30, the Alabama Department of Public Health has lifted the swimming advisory for gulf waters off Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan based on improvements in water conditions. However, the department warns that there may still be sporadic oil on or near the beaches and discourages individuals from entering waters if there is visible oil present. Click here to read the press release published by the health department.

Bill Secures Funding for Conservation Recreation Program

House Committee Passes Bill Securing Funding for Conservation Recreation Program

WASHINGTON, DC — July 15, 2010 — The House Natural Resources Committee passed legislation today that will provide dedicated funding for land conservation and outdoor recreation by a vote of 27 to 21 under the leadership of Chairman Nick Rahall (D-WV). The provision, included in the Consolidated Land, Energy, and Aquatic Resources Act of 2009 (CLEAR Act, HR 3534), would annually fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) at its authorized level of $900 million. At that level, the program would be able to proactively address backlogged conservation and recreation needs at the local, state and federal level. Weakening amendments were decisively rejected thanks to the efforts of Chairman Rahall and the support of many conservation leaders on the committee.

“The CLEAR Act gives the American people the means to shape a healthy future for our lands and waters,” commented Robert Bendick, Director of U.S. Government Relations with The Nature Conservancy. “We applaud the House Committee on Natural Resources for creating an important piece of legislation that includes full, dedicated funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This fund protects land and water to balance the use of offshore oil and gas resources, ensure clean air and water, and support jobs and local economies. We urge Congress to pass the CLEAR Act without delay to preserve the natural resources that Americans depend upon and treasure.”

“The LWCF was intended to mitigate in part the potential damages from offshore oil and gas production by protecting some of America’s most precious land resources and providing close-to-home recreational opportunities for Americans in every state in the nation,” said Will Rogers, President of the Trust for Public Land. “Given the tragic situation in the Gulf, the vision behind the Land and Water Conservation Fund is even more relevant than ever and we applaud Chairman Rahall’s leadership for including dedicated funding in the CLEAR Act.”

LWCF is supposed to receive $900 million per year — a drop in the bucket of offshore revenues that typically tally over $5 billion — but has been shortchanged by Congress nearly every year, with revenues regularly being diverted to other purposes. Full funding has been appropriated only once in the 45-year history of the LWCF, and recently declined to a low of $138 million in 2007. This shortfall has resulted in a huge land protection and outdoor recreation backlog of unmet funding needs across our federal public lands, and state and local parks. In a recent national bipartisan poll conducted by Public Opinion Strategies and FM3, 85 percent of respondents view the LWCF as more important today in light of the oil spill.

“OCS production has always been predicated on the idea that the depletion of one national, non-renewable natural resource must be balanced by the long-term protection of threatened habitats, beaches, waterways, and other special places across America,” noted Bill Meadows, President of The Wilderness Society. “As the devastating effects of the Deepwater Horizon spill demonstrate, OCS production can itself be a major threat to our nation’s already-limited inventory of natural resources. Full, reliable funding of LWCF is needed to provide a fair environmental return to the public, and accordingly, it is time to renew the commitment to conservation through full and permanent funding of the program.”

In spite of rarely receiving its due, LWCF has been instrumental in many of the places that are most dear to us as a nation. From local parks and playgrounds, where kids can get outside to play, to greenbelts and recreational trails that connect and enhance local communities, to state parks that provide hiking, biking, and camping and help to sustain wildlife, to federal public lands used for hunting, fishing, paddling, and our most pristine national parks, wildlife refuges, and wilderness areas — LWCF has provided a continuum of conservation that has touched all Americans.

Delta Adventures - 4th of July!

Between Oil spills and Hurricanes, there is little good news in the media at the moment for the Gulf Coast. Well we have some: the Mobile-Tensaw Delta is still the pristine, natural wonderland that it has always been. What's more, we've been working hard to find new and innovative ways to help you cool down on those hot Summer days in gator free swimming holes!
Happy Birthday to the USA from everyone at 5 Rivers. If you have nothing planned, join us in celebrating the 4th of July on one of our water based events, or perhaps put a COOL adventure on your calendar to help break the monotony of the summer heat as it rolls in over the next few months!

In This Issue:

• Sunset Wine/Tasting Cruise
• 4th of July Fireworks Cruise
• Pic of the Month - Delta Gold!: Bladderwort in bloom!
• Holiday Weekend Eco-Tours - Expanded Tour Times!
• New Summer Canoe & Kayak Safaris

ALL events require advanced reservations. Please call (251) 259-8531 for reservations or visit our website for more info.

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Sunset Wine Tasting Cruise

Saturday, July 3rd. 6:30-8:30pm

Enjoy an evening on the Delta. Sample a variety of wines pouredby our local wine expert, while you take in the natural beauty ofa Delta sunset. Cost is $45/Person. Reservations are required.

Call now to book your spot:

Toll-Free: 1-877-411-SAFARI (7232) or Local: (251) 259 8531.

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4th of July Fireworks Cruise

Sunday, July 4th. 7pm - 10pm.Take in a sunset while we explore the Delta. Then enjoy the fireworks display from the boat! You may bring your own beverages.

Cost is $25/Person. Reservations are required.

Call now to book your spot:

Toll-Free: 1-877-411-SAFARI (7232) or Local: (251) 259 8531.

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PIC OF THE MONTH
Delta Gold!

Joel captured this artistic picture of Bladderwort in full bloom in the Delta during one of our Canoe and Kayak Safaris!

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Holiday Weekend Delta Eco-Tours

In an effort to serve all our guests over the holiday weekend we are offering numerous additional tours.


Friday, Saturday & Sunday tours will be offered at:
9am, 11am, 1pm, & 3pm. Reservations are required.


Toll-Free: 1-877-411-SAFARI (7232) or Local: (251) 259 8531.


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Canoe & Kayak Summer Safaris

We have been busy finding ways to beat the summer heat! If you are looking to explore and keep cool all at the same time, we have two new opportunities for you. Choose one of our COOL Coastal Rivers guidedtrips. Swimming holes can be found around nearly every bend. Enjoy meandering streams and abundance of wildlife. Or try one of our beach excursions. Launch and paddle along sandy beaches. Get out and swim at will or just enjoy the summer breeze from the comfort of your kayak!

Tours are available any day, any time. Groups discounts available.


Reservations are required. For more info or to make reservations on any of our many offerings, please call us at:

Toll-Free: 1-877-411-SAFARI (7232) or Local:(251) 259 8531.

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Don't forget to check out our Themed Kids Birthday Party offerings available on our website - new pricing for the best value party in town.


Guided Paddling Tours of the Delta start at only 2 people and an amazing $50 per person, all gear included, 7 days a week.

We look forward to seeing you soon.


Kristian...

9 new National Recreation Trail designations for AL

The Department of the Interior announced the newly designated National Recreation Trail yesterday. Our wonderful Eastern shore got a nod, with the Eastern Shore Trail:

"The Eastern Shore Trail is a 36-mile multi-purpose trail for pedestrian and non-motorized vehicle use along the eastern shore of Mobile Bay in Baldwin County, Alabama. The trail traverses waterfront, historic, wilderness and small town areas, both off- road and paralleling roads. Because of the wide variation in grade, elevated boardwalks and high-rise bridges, both wooden and metal, are common components. The most significant product of this trail effort is the demonstrated support garnered by Baldwin County volunteers. As one trailside resident says, “The trail is our front porch... where we connect with friends and neighbors.”

Do you know of a trail that you think should be nominated? Let us know! For more information on the Trails, to find out what 5RDS and WildNative have planned to take advantage of these great Trail systems and help you get out there. Please email us: info@5rds.com


Excerpt included below:
"National Trails Day June 5: Secretary Salazar Announces Designation of 31 New National Recreation Trails in 15 States Supporting "Let’s Move" in America’s Great Outdoors

WASHINGTON, DC – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced the designation of 31 trails in 15 states as national recreation trails, adding more than 716 miles of trails to the National Trails System. The announcement comes in anticipation of National Trails Day on June 5, when trail dedications and other activities will take place at new and existing trails.

"From coast to coast, the National Trails System helps connect American families with the wonders of the great outdoors," said Salazar. "These new national recreation trails, built through partnerships with local communities and stakeholders, will create new opportunities for fitness and stewardship while creating a lasting legacy for our children and grandchildren."

In announcing the new designations, Salazar highlighted two important initiatives established by President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama to encourage Americans to enjoy the great outdoors as part of a healthier lifestyle.

Last month, President Obama launched the “America’s Great Outdoors Initiative” to protect special places and to help Americans reconnect to the outdoors. Under his leadership, the administration is reaching out to communities across the country to hear good ideas about conservation and to learn about the efforts that ordinary Americans are making to conserve our land, water, and wildlife. More information on the initiative can be found at http://www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors.

Meanwhile, the First Lady’s “Let’s Move” initiative is promoting a healthier lifestyle for children by encouraging them to eat healthier foods and become more physically active.

“I hope that millions of Americans will take advantage of the opportunities provided by our national trails to embrace a fuller, healthier lifestyle,”Salazar said.

Every national park will waive entrance fees on the weekend of June 5-6 to help encourage people of all ages to get outside and use trails for exercise and exploration. In addition, hundreds of organized activities including hikes, educational programs, bike rides, trail rehabilitation projects, festivals, paddle trips, and trail dedications will take place. A listing of activities is available at http://www.americanhiking.org/Get-Involved/National-Trails-Day/.

The national recreation trail designation recognizes existing trails and trail systems that link communities to recreational opportunities on public lands and in local parks across the nation. The first ones were established in 1971.

Each of the trails will receive a certificate of designation, a letter of congratulations from Secretary Salazar, and national recreation trail markers. The trails join a network of more than 1,000 previously designated trails that total more than 12,500 miles.

The national recreation trail program is jointly administered by the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service in conjunction with a number of other federal and nonprofit partners, notably American Trails, which hosts the national recreation trails website at http://www.americantrails.org/nationalrecreationtrails.

The following 31 trails have been designated as national recreation trails:

ALABAMA (9)

• Canoe and Kayak Trail Limestone County Alabama
• Doc Hilt
• The Eastern Shore Trail
• Minooka Park Trail System
• The Richard Martin Trail
• Smith Lake Park Walking/Bike Trails
• Sportsman Lake Trails
• Stony Lonesome OHV Park Trail System
• Veterans Park Trail"

The full article is available online at http://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/Salazar-Announces-31-New-National-Recreation-Trails-in-15-States.cfm.

Kristian...
Imagineer

Can Any Good Come of the Oil Spill?

In the last two weeks, we've been asked many times: "will the oil spill affect the Delta should the oil reach this far north?" The answer, of course, is yes. It could be catastrophic. However, could we also benefit in any way from this threat to our eco-system? The answer is the same. Yes!

Sometimes we take for granted the serene beauty that lies at our back door. For those of you who've taken our tours or explored this vast Delta by kayak or canoe, you might remember the incredible wildlife you saw: the egrets and herons feeding at the shor; the osprey diving for a meal or keeping a close watch over their nest; or the alligator sunning himself on the bank. The white pelicans and white ibis that over winter here; the beautiful cypress with Spanish Moss draped over their branches; and the lilies; the Blue flag iris; Golden Club and other wetland flowers that are now in bloom. You may also remember "hearing" the"quiet" of the rustling of the grass or twittering of songbirds.

Maybe it's time to reflect on the opportunity we have to explore and learn about this unique and delicate environment, the recreational opportunities it provides, its significance in the lives and lifestyle of the residents of the Mobile Bay area, and those who visit. Maybe it's time to revisit and take a closer look at the plants whose roots hold the soil in place, where birds, mammals and reptiles, seen and unseen, feed, nest and live. Maybe we should listen more carefully for the songs and calls of the birds both in the air, water and on land.

I know I will.

By Carol Furman

Carol Furman is a Delta Guide with Five Rivers Delta Safaris (5RDS.com)