Environmental issues are often a direct result of the irresponsible actions taken by people participating in outdoor recreation. Even now, protecting the environment is still a low priority on the minds of policymakers. The strides taken by former President Obama to protect the environment are now being repealed by the Trump administration. For example, the repeal of the Environmental Protection Act will make it legal to trap and kill wolves with cubs and shoot hibernating bears in Alaska (adn.com). If similar actions continue, severe damage to the environment will occur. To ensure the protection of our wilderness, recreational policies must be stricter.
For Outdoor Recreation
Not all outdoor recreation is negative. Humans receive many benefits from outdoor activities. For example, taking a walk outside can help to lower stress and increase your mood (Huffington post). Outdoor recreation can also be used as a source of exercise in the fresh air. Spending time outdoors can promote human awareness of their environment, by interacting with native plants and animals. Animals can receive benefits from outdoor recreation as well. Hunting, for example, helps to control animal populations. A higher deer population will affect the reproduction of the plants they consume. This overpopulation will result in the reduction of their food supply (eco hunt). Hunting and other outdoor recreation are crucial to the proper function of the environment.