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!

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.

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

Gators Galore

Well spring has definitely arrived and we are seeing 'Gators galore out here in the Delta. From baby gators to 13ft monsters, it is a real treat for guests and staff alike. In addition the bird life is in abundance, with Bald Eagles, Osprey catching fish and nesting, Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Blue Heron and many more showing off for our visitors. The Alabama Red Bellied Turtles are also hatching, so please keep an eye out as you drive through the park and help them get to the safety of the water injury free.

Wonderful Weather at 5 Rivers

The weather has been gorgeous lately at 5 Rivers, the Delta is starting to bloom and water enthusiasts of all ages are coming out to enjoy the sunshine! We've plenty of Canoes/Kayaks available for those interested in renting for the day. Rates start at $35. We of course still have the Eco tours on the Pontoon boat.

I've attached a picture below taken at dusk a few days ago by Michael. Absolutely stunning!

Imagine sitting in a Canoe while viewing this! We have a sunset / Full moon paddle coming up on Tuesday evening (March 30th), launching from Oysterella's, give us a call and make sure to bring your camera! 251-259-8531

See you out there!

Kristian...

Poker Paddle A Success!!

On Sunday March 7th Wild Native held a unique kayaking event. An "on the water" scavenger hunt named - The Poker Paddle. Contestants were given maps of the route and were required to navigate to specific areas along the Delta. Once there, they would search the river banks for hidden boxes that contained their next set of directions and playing cards.

Hunt participants relaxed and socialized at the conclusion of the Paddle, while enjoying homemade pulled pork sandwiches courtesy of Wild Native and Captain Michael Dorie. Envelopes were then opened and players' hands revealed: Two pair, aces and fours was the winning hand held by Paul Babb. Even those who didn't win prizes went away happy with having spent a beautiful day on the water and making some new acquaintances along the way.

Wild Native offers many of these types of events throughout the year:

• Our next paddling event is scheduled for Saturday March 20th.
• We also have a Full Moon Paddle on Tuesday March 30 at 6pm - Have you ever paddled by moonlight?
• Or join WildNative April 10th./11th for an overnight canoe trip and camp-out.

For more info or to reserve a spot on any of these events please call 1-800-508-ADVENTURE.

In addition to fun paddles Wild Native also offers specialty guided paddles focusing on nature and wildlife viewing, nature photography, native american indian mound exploration, birding, camping, even kayak lessons for those unfamiliar with the sport. In fact, Kayaking 101 is being offered this Sunday at 10am!

Wild Native, Inc is the parent company of 5 Rivers Delta Safaris. A tour boat company operating out of the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center. 5RDS specializes in a variety of pontoon boat eco-tours in the Delta. They also offer safari and pirate themed youth birthday parties. Visit them online at www.5RDS.com to see all they have to offer.

Delta Adventures Update! March 3, 2010

IN THIS ISSUE:
- Canoe/Kayak Poker Paddle -- Deadline for Registration = March 3rd
- Wildlife & Nature Photography Hike
- WildNative is Hiring!
- Safari & Pirate Themed Birthday Parties @ 5 Rivers

This weekends Forecast for the Delta! --
Mostly Sunny with a high near 65 --

------------------------------------------------
*LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER*
------------------------------------------------
Canoe/Kayak Poker Paddle - Sunday, March 7th. 11am - 5pm.
An all ages event. A beginner level paddle with a twist!

Compete against other teams as you paddle through the delta following clues and picking up playing cards along the way. A BBQ will be held at the end of the course and the boat with the best poker hand of cards will be our grand prize winner.
Entry Fee: $20 per boat. Registration required by March 3rd.
Canoe & kayak rentals are available.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*SCHEDULE CHANGE*
As of March 1, 2010 our Delta Eco-Tours aboard "The Pelican" will depart
Wednesday thru Sunday, at 11am. Reservations are recommended.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Wildlife & Nature Photography Hike* Saturday, March 6th. 10am - 12pm.

Guided hike around the 80 acre property of 5 Rivers Delta Center. Focus on nature and beauty as well as local wildlife. Bring your own camera and get tips on how to shoot nature photos.
All participants can enter online photo contest to win prizes.

Cost is $10 per person. Reservations required.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Delta Canoe/Kayak Paddle & BBQ* Saturday, March 20th. 10am - 4pm.

Join us for an exploratory paddle of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. The exact location of our paddle has yet to be determined. Any suggestions? Anywhere in particular you'd like to explore? Please let us know. We are always happy to plan trips to areas that folks want to see.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canoe & kayak rentals are available any day of the week. Please call in advance to arrange a guided or an unguided canoe/kayak excursion.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Party Party Party!
We also now host Safari and Pirate themed childrens Birthday Parties.
Maximum of 30 Children.
Party Favours, Cake, Games and much, much more
Reservations are required: For more information and a brochure, email info@5rds.com or call 1-877-411-SAFARI (7232).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PLEASE NOTE:
1. All the above events can be arranged for groups any day, any time.

2. Canoe & Kayak rentals are available any day of the week. Please call in advance to arrange a guided or an unguided canoe/kayak excursion. Canoe/Kayaks can be launched from a variety of locations across the Delta.

3. Our ever popular Wine Tasting Sunset Cruises will be starting again in March - Dates to be advertised in the next issue.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hovercraft Sale:

Finally, it has come time for Five Rivers Delta Safaris to sell it's Hovercraft to make way for our new 2010 model. If you are interested in owning a hovercraft of your own, please contact us for more information.

You may have noticed the new WildNative () sign at the Convention Center in South Water St, Downtown Mobile. This heralds a whole range of new Tours and Charters aboard the "Native Princess", our 49 passenger bay boat. Keep an eye on this space, call 1-800-508-ADVENTURE (2383) or email mailto:info@wildnative.com?subject=Native for more information.


We will be combining the WildNative and 5RDS newsletters for a short time, before providing the opportunity for everyone to choose the items that interest you most.

I look forward to seeing you all aboard very soon.

Captain Michael Dorie
Manager
Five Rivers Delta Safaris, LLC.

5RDS is a WildNative
Company

Upcoming Delta Adventures & Events

A quick update on upcoming Adventures including moonlight paddles, poker runs, hiking, eco tours, hovercraft and more!

In order of events:

• Dead Lake Canoe / Kayak Paddle and BBQ - Saturday, February 20^th (10am - 4pm)
• Meet at Mobile Convention Center by 9:30am and carpool to launch site.
• Explore the sloughs of Dead Lake, near Creola, with a large group of paddlers.
• Cost is $5 per person (with own gear) and includes BBQ lunch.
• Equipment rentals are available.
• Reservations are required: For more information email mailto:info@wildnative.com?subject=Deadlake Paddle & BBQ, Saturday February 20th or call 1-800-508-ADVENTURE (2383).
  

• Moonlight Paddle & BBQ - Saturday, February 27^th (4:30pm - 10pm)
  
• BBQ at 5 Rivers begins at 4pm. Launch boats after 5pm.
• Enjoy a famous Delta sunset, followed by a full moon rising. Paddle after dark.
• Cost is $5 per person (with own gear) and includes BBQ.
• Equipment rentals are available.
• Reservations are required: For more information email mailto:info@wildnative.com?subject=Moonlight or call 1-800-508-ADVENTURE (2383).
  

• Wildlife & Nature Photography Hike - Saturday, March 6^th (10am - 12pm)
  
  • Guided hike around the 80 acre property of 5 Rivers Delta Center.
  • Focus on nature and beauty as well as local wildlife.
  • Bring your own camera and get tips on how to shoot nature photos.
  • All participants can enter online photo contest to win prizes.
  • Check-in at Delta Safaris ticket counter, 5 Rivers.
  • $10 per person fee.
  • Reservations are required: mailto:info@5rds.com?subject=WildLife or call 1-877-411-SAFARI (7232).
    

• Canoe / Kayak Poker Paddle - Sunday, March 7^th (11am - 5pm)
  
• An all ages event. A beginner level paddle with a twist!
• Compete against other teams as you paddle through the delta following clues and picking up playing cards along the way. A BBQ will be held at the end of the course and the boat with the best poker hand of cards will be our grand prize winner.
• Entry Fee: $20 per boat.
• Canoe & kayak rentals are available.
• Registration deadline is March 1^st.
• Reservations are required: For more information email mailto:info@wildnative.com?subject=Canoe/Kayak or call 1-800-508-ADVENTURE (2383).
  
  

• Don't forget our Daily Delta Eco Tours (11am - 1pm)
• Pontoon boat eco-tour onboard the "Pelican."
• Explore the Lower Delta as we share stories and facts about the history, characters, fauna and flora of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta.
• Check-in at Delta Safaris ticket counter, 5 Rivers.
• $22 each adult, $19 each senior, $14 each child.
• Reservations are required: For more information email mailto:info@5rds.com?subject=Daily or call 1-877-411-SAFARI (7232).
  
  

• We also now host Safari and Pirate themed childrens Birthday Parties.
• Maximum of 30 Children.
• Party Favours, Cake, Games and much, much more
• Reservations are required: For more information and a brochure, email mailto:info@5rds.com?subject=Please or call 1-877-411-SAFARI (7232).
  
  

• PLEASE NOTE:

• All the above events can be arranged for groups any day, any time.
  

• Canoe & Kayak rentals are available any day of the week. Please call in advance to arrange a guided or an unguided canoe/kayak excursion.
  

• Our ever popular Wine Tasting Sunset Cruises will be starting again in March
  

Hovercraft Sale:

Finally, it has come time for Five Rivers Delta Safaris to sell it's Hov Pod Hovercraft to make way for our new 2010 model. If you are interested in owning a hovercraft of your own, please visit our Ebay listing for more information:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260554939713&ssPageName=ADME:B:EF:MOTORS:1123

You may have noticed the new WildNative () sign at the Convention Center in South Water St, Downtown Mobile. This heralds a whole range of new Tours and Charters aboard the "Native Princess", our 49 passenger bay boat. Keep an eye on this space, call 1-800-508-ADVENTURE (2383) or email mailto:info@wildnative.com?subject=Native for more information.



We will be combining the WildNative and 5RDS newsletters for a short time, before providing the opportunity for everyone to choose the items that interest you most.

We look forward to seeing you all aboard very soon.

Five Rivers Delta Safaris, LLC. (www.5rds.com)

5RDS is a WildNative Company

5 Rivers Delta Safaris, LLC.
30945 5 River Blvd, #7

Spanish Fort, AL,
36527, U.S.A.

Ph: (251) 259 8531

Another Bird & Gator Filled Day on the Delta!

Today's tour was great. The temperature was nice and the water was like glass. We had a good crowd of families and friends spending time together.....away from the mall! Great to see on this "Shopping Weekend" right after Thanksgiving.

Passengers on the boat were treated to a great diversity of wildlife. Before even leaving the dock we saw Osprey circling looking for fish and a Double-Crested Cormorant did a fly-by just as we cast off. Along the way up river we saw a Snowy Egret and some American Coots, all feeding in the shallow waters along the Blakeley River. We made our way into the Appalachee River and saw a flock of White Pelicans overhead. We then encountered a Great Blue Heron and some more Coots. All of the birds we had seen to this point were then trumped by the sun-bathing American Alligator! We sat quietly and observed this gator for some time. In fact, he was so intent on basking in the sun that we drove off with him still sitting there. Our presence never disturbed him. On our way downstream we saw more White Pelicans and a KingFisher. All in all a great day in the Delta.

~ Captain Michael Dorie
www.5rds.com

Birthday Parties Now Available at 5 Rivers!

Adventure Themed Birthday Parties for Children of all Ages.
Themed birthday parties are a great way to celebrate your child's birthday. Up to 20 children can play a variety of age-specific, educational focused fun games while enjoying the outdoors.

Safari Theme - Go on Safari at 5 Rivers!
Experience the world through an animals eyes with games like Awesome Opossum, Blind Bat-Brown Bat, Scavenger Hunt, Obstacle courses and more!

From 5 Rivers Birthday Parties

Pirate Theme - Hunt for Hidden Treasure!
Follow a pirates treasure map to gold and glory. Along the way come across obstacles such as enemy pirates, dangerous animals and rugged terrain.

From 5 Rivers Birthday Parties

Booking Fees:
$250 for up to 30 Children. Prices include themed birthday cake.

Additional items can also be added, such as boat rides, food and beverages, etc. Please contact us for pricing on these items.

To make reservations, please call us at: (251) 259-8531

5 Rivers Delta Safaris
http://www.5rds.com/


Don't forget 5RDS provides unlimited access to all the Delta has to offer!!. From eco-boat tours to guided overnight expeditions and corporate group adventure activities, let 5RDS introduce you to OUR Delta!

Visit our website http://www.5rds.com/ for more information or email info@5rds.com