Update on Resoultion to Get Kids Outdoors!

USEE is happy to announce that this Resolution has passed through Committee and the House and is now waiting on a decision in the Senate! This would be a great time to let your voice be heard - - talk to your Senator today!

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION SUPPORTING PUBLIC POLICIES THAT PROMOTE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN

2011 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH

Chief Sponsor: Jack R. Draxler
Senate Sponsor: Patricia W. Jones

LONG TITLE
General Description:
This concurrent resolution of the Legislature and the Governor supports increased participation by children in outdoor activities and supports policies that promote outdoor activities for children.
Highlighted Provisions:
This resolution expresses support for increased participation by children in outdoor activities and supports policies that promote outdoor activities for Utah's children.
Special Clauses:
None

Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:

WHEREAS, Utah is home to a wealth of high quality and beautiful natural resources that offer a wide range of incomparable lands for recreational opportunities for all Utah residents;

WHEREAS, Utah's national and state parks, national forests, range lands, rivers, lakes, and deserts provide areas to walk, hunt, fish, kayak, raft, climb, ski, bike, run, and snowmobile;

WHEREAS, over the past decade participation in outdoor pursuits and activities has been on the decline;

WHEREAS, participation in these activities is a major contributor to Utah's economy;

WHEREAS, there are also concerns that many of our younger generation are becoming disconnected from nature;

WHEREAS, youth are shunning the great outdoors in favor of sedentary activities such as video games, television, the Internet, and movies;

WHEREAS, numerous studies have shown that there are many health, physical, emotional, and educational benefits to playing in and experiencing Utah's outdoors;

WHEREAS, outdoor experiences are critical components to the development of the next generation of Utah's conservation stewards and recreationists;

WHEREAS, childhood obesity rates in Utah and the nation are epidemic and outdoor activities can be an effective means to combating this major health concern;

WHEREAS, Utahns should work together to help create a healthy environment that
will not threaten outdoor activities through effective policy and public awareness;

WHEREAS, every child in Utah should have the opportunity to visit a national park, sit beneath a tree that is at least 100 years old, boat a river, climb a mountain, cook dinner over a campfire, go fishing, hike a trail, plant a native flower, shrub, or tree, listen to a spring bird song or chorus of frogs, gaze at the stars, and follow animal tracks in the snow; and

WHEREAS, it is through these and many other activities that Utahns can feel and pass on to the next generation a connection with nature that refreshes the body, mind, and soul for facing life's challenges and opportunities:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein, express support for increased participation by children in outdoor activities and support policies that promote outdoor activities for Utah's children.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Utah Department of Natural Resources, the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, the Utah State Office of Education, the Utah Department of Health, the Utah League of Cities and Towns, and the Utah Association of Counties.