Expansive ranches that sprawl across pastoral countrysides and charming half-acre homesteads account for the 2,102,010 farms found all over the United States. Farmers, ranchers, and landowners are the caretakers of the land and the animals that inhabit it, working tirelessly to conserve the quality of life and beauty of those areas. For the 38 million Americans who hunt and fish, much care has to be taken to ensure that species continue to flourish. Conservation and preservation of of equestrian farm land, fishing property, deer hunting land, and cattle ranch land are all part and parcel of a $136 billion dollar industry that has a huge influence on the American economy.
Since 1930, sportsmen have voluntarily paid nearly $14 billion for the environmental protection of fish and wildlife. The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, passed in 1937, instituted an excise tax on hunters and target shooters to fund programs related to conservation efforts, shooting projects and programs, and hunter?s education. As of 2012, that tax has totaled over $7.2 billion in funds collected. Hunters and fishers contribute approximately $8 million per day in wildlife conservation efforts, which go toward a number of projects including land, water, and air preservation initiatives.
It?s not just hunters and other sportsmen who benefit from the use of agricultural land and property. One of the most popular outdoor recreational activities is camping. It generates approximately by $5 billion in revenue, whether the camping grounds were in a tent at a campground, an RV parked at a fly fishing property, or just the back yard. In a 6-year span, the amount of people participating in outdoor activities like hiking and backpacking grew by nearly 10 million. There were 29 million people hiking slopes and valleys in 2008 and increased to 38.05 million in 2014. Since the number of adults who meet the public health recommendations for physical activity is growing, the need for well preserved hiking and backpacking properties and spaces will continue to increase.
Even if hunting, hiking, backpacking, or camping doesn?t interest some, breathing clean air and drinking high quality water is a topic that gets attention no matter what. Only one-third of the nation?s drinking water comes from outside the forest. This means that the majority of the water we drink right now came from a place in the U.S. that needs substantial effort applied to remain well-preserved so our quality of life can remain stable. Deforestation continues to be an issue, however, and with only one-third of the U.S. being made up of forest land, strict regulations are placed on landowners to keep their property forested. With 60% of all forest land being privately owned, owners must reforest an area within 12 to 18 months to ensure compliance with the government-enforced Forest Practice Rules. Each tree that grows in the forest can absorb more than 10 pounds of CO2 per year. With the U.S. emitting 5.2 billion tons of CO2 every year, efforts are growing to meet the demand for cleaner air through reforestation and preservation.
Many more people are getting involved with the land preservation efforts right here in the United States of America. From purchasing fishing property, live water ranches, and even equestrian farm land, the idea of investing in a $136 billion dollar industry is just as promising as investing in the preservation of American ideals of protecting animals and nature. There is a demand for the supply of outdoor activity spaces, hunting and fishing spaces, and expanses of land to reforest the nation. More people are gravitating to that effort every day.
