The Open Gate

November/December 2009
By Greg Mumm

This country is in a funk right now and it is difficult to predict or figure out. Because of that, people are afraid to take that extra step to commit to anything long-term. Every group that I talk to around the country is struggling with it. It is the unfortunate effect of a country reaching a point where the people honestly don’t know what to expect. Some folks are mad. Some are discouraged. Most are confused.

During these times, there is a natural tendency to lose focus on the importance of recreational access issues and that is the last thing we need. We face many challenges and a loss in focus on those issues will translate into a loss of access if the grassroots don’t stay engaged. It is up to us—all of us—to ensure this does not happen.

I attended the convention of a state OHV group this past weekend. The guest speakers were a couple of gents who had been among the innovative engineering and sales teams of a major manufacturer of OHV products during a time when that company was first stepping off into new markets. It was interesting to hear the history of how they came up with many of their ideas and how everyone pitched in to make them happen. But what struck me most during their talk was the courage it took for them to step out the way they did when nearly every other company in their field was hunkering down, hoping to avoid legal actions and the unwanted attention of newly empowered government commissions. Today, because the people in that company had that kind of courage, it is one of the largest manufacturers of their products in the world.

I have often heard it said that you never really know what you are made of until you are up against it. Well, with the economy and the political environment run amuck, and with all of the attacks we see on responsible recreational access, I’m saying grassroots recreation groups are up against it right now. But I believe there is hope and that hope starts with you. It is time for us to show the courage to step out during a time when most are just hunkering down. It is time to show leadership.

Many scientific studies have been done and much written and discussed about the multiple benefits of outdoor recreation to the human condition. Those benefits include a sound environment, healthy rural economies, strengthened families and better personal health. Recreation provides all of that and more. It is a time for us to step back and recreate ourselves—a time for us to bolster our personal resources and our resolve. Engaging in the fight for the right to continue to have the access to enjoy that recreation on our public lands is a good place to start being a leader.

We need grassroots resurgence in this country. Grassroots is the heart of our country and similar to native tribes of old, we need to be pounding the drums. The difference is that the drums we have at our disposal are global in nature. We can instantly reach across this country and beyond. 

We can make a difference and all it takes is a little like-minded camaraderie to create hope and get the ball rolling. Leadership starts with communication to those who would come alongside or follow. When was the last time you invited someone to join you at your local club meeting, to join TLCA or the BlueRibbon Coalition? Pick up the phone, man.