PHOENIX, AZ. -(Ammoland.com)- In a show of support for protecting access and enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities on public lands, more than 300 people attended the recent “Respected Access in Arizona” campaign fundraiser at the Ben Avery Clay Target Center in Phoenix.
The third annual event, hosted by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and national nonprofit Tread Lightly!, brought together not only outdoor recreationists, but industry leaders, local stakeholders and representatives from both federal and state agencies responsible for managing Arizona’s public lands.
The “Respected Access in Arizona” campaign was established to protect access and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities, with a special focus on promoting responsible recreational shooting.
More than $35,000 in proceeds from the fun shoot, barbecue dinner, raffles and auction will help to fund campaign strategies, including billboards and other signage, educational materials, public service announcements, stewardship projects and more.
“Our ultimate goal is to encourage visitors to enjoy and respect our public lands in an effort to protect our access and our heritage of hunting, fishing and wildlife recreation,” said Larry Voyles, director of game and fish.
More than 45 businesses and organizations participated in the Oct. 15 fundraiser, which included the presenting sponsor, RideNow Powersports, and the gold sponsor in Bobby Q restaurant, which catered the barbecue.
The highlight of the event was a raffle for a 2016 custom camouflaged Polaris Ranger EV, valued at more than $15,000, courtesy of RideNow Powersports. The winner was Kevin Downing of Goodyear, Ariz.
“The success of this partnership program is remarkable,” said Lori McCullough, Tread Lightly! executive director. “The funds we are raising in Arizona will remain in Arizona to help sustain the incredible momentum we are building to motivate behavior change and empower citizen stewards in this great state.”
For more information about the “Respected Access in Arizona” campaign, visit www.respectedaccessarizona.org.